If you think you’ve seen a flea on your pet, there’s a good chance your eyes are not deceiving you. Fleas are small parasites that feed on the blood of cats, dogs, and even humans. It’s a common problem pet owners will encounter and can sometimes require a trip to the veterinarian. Aside from physically seeing fleas, there are other symptoms your pet can experience when they’re being bitten. Search online to learn what signs to look out for.
Since pets can’t vocalize when they’re experiencing health problems, it’s important for owners to know what health changes could indicate flea bites. An online search will help you find out how to spot them and how to treat them.
Here are six signs your pet has fleas and how to get rid of them.
1. Flea Dirt
Something to look out for both on your pet’s body and in your home is flea “dirt”. These are small specks with a black or reddish-brown appearance. Well, this “dirt” is actually flea feces composed of digested blood.
PetMD says you can tell the difference between regular dirt and flea “dirt” by using a wet paper towel. If the speck turns from black into the reddish-brown color, then it’s probably a flea.
2. Red Patches on Skin
Flea bites are super uncomfortable, which can lead to visible redness on your pet’s skin. They are usually in the form of small, raised red dots. Check for common areas that fleas bite, such as the back, neck, and base of the tail.
Unfortunately, this type of skin irritation can lead to flea allergy dermatitis if left untreated. This is a condition that can make your pet more prone to secondary skin infections.
3. Abnormal Scratching
Fleas jump and feed on your pet’s body, which can lead to itchiness. Abnormal itching is a big indicator of fleas. They will typically be found in hard to reach spots that leaves your pet itchy and in need of some relief.
If your pet is scratching more than usual, examine them for fleas.
4. Hair Loss
Fleas do not directly cause hair loss in pets. However, due to all the scratching and biting that inevitably occurs from flea bites, your pet could lose some hair.
WebMD says to check for bald spots where fleas typically gather. These spots include the:
- Neck and shoulder blades;
- Ears;
- Belly;
- Base of the tail, and;
- Back of the legs.
5. Pale Gums
If animals go too long without flea treatment, they can experience flea anemia. This means too much blood has been drained and can prevent your pet’s body from functioning normally.
One of the signs of flea anemia is pale gums. Healthy gums are usually a shell-pink color, whereas anemic gums can be completely white.
How to Get Rid of Fleas
There are plenty of flea treatments to choose from. You can talk to your vet about the various topical and oral medications available to pets of different types and sizes. Both of them are effective forms of treatment that can help ease your pet’s symptoms.
Aside from medications, there are other useful methods that can help to prevent and treat flea infestations. A few of them include:
- Using a flea comb to take them out;
- Washing your pet with a flea shampoo, and;
- Regularly washing your pet’s bedding.
Not only do you need to treat your pet, but you also have to treat your home. Fleas can linger in the household and lay eggs. Your pet is at risk of getting flea bites all over again if you don’t tackle the fleas, eggs, and pupae at your house. A female flea can lay up to 50 eggs per day, so you’ll want to get rid of them as soon as possible.
To get started, vacuum everywhere. This includes the floor, mattresses, upholstery, bedding, and pet beds. Make sure to dispose of the bag immediately to prevent the contents from making its way back into your home. Make sure to prevent fleas by also:
- Using a steam cleaner after vacuuming;
- Mowing the lawn regularly;
- Removing debris;
- Exposing as much of your yard to sunlight as possible, and;
- Spreading cedar chips.
Search Online for More Flea Treatments
If you suspect your pet has fleas, don’t wait long to start treating them. Fleas bites are uncomfortable, painful, and put your pet at risk of developing worse health damage as time goes on.
You can search online to learn more about flea treatments. Compare different products, read reviews, and make sure it’s safe for your pet by talking to a certified veterinarian.