It can be frustrating for dog parents to hear and see your dog constantly itch and scratch because of fleas. Not only do these tiny parasites make your pup itchy and uncomfortable, they can also cause serious health problems like heartworm and Lyme disease. 

Fleas are small, wingless insects that feed on animal blood. They can jump up to 150 times their body length, which makes them very difficult to catch. Dogs can pick up fleas from other animals or from their environment like your yard or the dog park. Once fleas make a home on your dog, it finds a home in your home: the fleas’ eggs can fall off your pup and land on your carpets, furniture, or bedding. It only takes a few weeks for these eggs to hatch and become adult fleas. So the sooner you start treating the issue the better to stop a major infestation.

Signs of Fleas

So how can you tell if your dog has fleas? Common tells include:

• Scratching, biting, or licking at their skin

• Small, red bumps or scabs on their skin are a sign of flea bites on dogs

• Tiny black specks of flea dirt on dog’s fur

• Seeing actual flea eggs on your dog

Be Free of Fleas

One of the easiest ways to treat dogs with fleas is to give them a flea bath. There are many flea shampoos and treatments available. Make sure to wash your dog’s fur thoroughly and rinse it well. Other popular flea treatments you can try are flea collars, sprays or pills. Flea collars emit a toxic gas that kills fleas and prevents them from coming back. Flea sprays and other topical treatments are applied directly to your dog’s skin and can provide long-lasting protection.

Flea-Free Home

Once you’ve treated your dog, you still have work to do cleaning your house to remove any fleas or eggs left behind including vacuuming carpets and furniture, washing bedding and curtains in hot water, and treating your yard with flea repellent. Fleas are pesky, resilient bugs, so it might take a few rounds of cleaning to get your house flea free. 

 After your home and dog are clean of fleas, you’ll want to proactively work to prevent fleas from returning. This includes regularly grooming your dog, cleaning your home, and adding a flea-prevention product to your pup’s routine.

Heartworm and Lyme disease prevention

In addition to fleas, heartworm and Lyme disease are other serious health concerns for dogs. Heartworm is a parasitic worm that can cause severe damage to your dog’s heart, lungs, and other organs. Some of the most common heartworm symptoms include coughing, fatigue, weight loss, difficulty breathing and a swollen abdomen. If you notice these symptoms, you must immediately take your dog to the vet. To prevent heartworm in your dog, you should give them monthly heartworm prevention medication prescribed by your vet.

Lyme disease is caused by ticks from a tick bite. Dog owners should perform regular preventive checks by looking for fleas or ticks through their fur. If you find a tick, remove it right away. The first and most common sign of Lyme disease is limping or lameness. Fever, loss of appetite, swollen joints, and difficulty breathing are other signs of Lyme disease in dogs. If you notice any of these symptoms, take your dog to the vet immediately. 

Fleas, heartworms, and Lyme disease are real and frustrating challenges for dog parents. But routine preventative care and fast-acting treatment can help keep your puppy free of itching and scratching.