Fleas are the most common external parasite, and they can make your pet's life miserable! If left untreated, they can even lead to infections and serious diseases. Our Stockton vets explain early signs of fleas, and what to do if your pet does have fleas.
What Are Fleas?
Fleas are external parasites that rely on a host animal for survival. Unless steps are taken to break their lifecycle, adult fleas will continue to reproduce and thrive on your pet — and in your household.
What signs of flea infestation should I look for?
Cats and dogs may be allergic to the protein in flea saliva, which is why they often start to scratch as soon as a flea bites their skin. Even one flea bite may cause pets to scratch excessively and become agitated. Besides scratching, your pet may also have red bumps or pimples on:
- Their belly
- At the base of their tail or on their behind
- On their groin
- Under their legs.
How can I check my pet for fleas?
Adult fleas are small and brown. They are relatively easy to spot with the naked eye.
It's a good idea to check your pet's brush or comb while you're grooming them. Having your pet lie on their side will let you have a closer look at areas with thin hair, such as the abdomen.
You may see "flea dirt," which is flea feces and looks similar to tiny grains of sand or black pepper when wet. To check for flea dirt, use a fine-tooth flea comb to comb along your pet's back and underbelly. By standing your pet on a white towel or cloth while brushing them, you will be able to easily see any black droppings that fall from their fur.
What if I can’t find any fleas but my pet is still scratching?
If there are no signs of fleas but your pet is still scratching, schedule an appointment with your vet. Your pet may be reacting to another type of allergy that's making them uncomfortable. The vet will be able to administer a skin test to check for flea allergies — as well as other types of allergies — during your visit.
If my cat or dog does have fleas, how do I get rid of them?
A number of safe and effective treatments can be used to eliminate fleas, including shampoos, sprays, powders and topical liquids. You may need to visit your vet for prescription creams and antibiotics if your pet's case is more severe.
Early treatment and prevention are the first methods of choice to ensure your dog or cat doesn't develop more serious issues in the future as a result of fleas.
