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Does My Dog Have Fleas? 4 Ways to Tell

by Sam Salvati - 9/11/19

Fleas, however small in size, can disrupt the lives of dogs and their owners. As one of the fastest reproducing creatures alive, fleas can become a major problem if they aren't eradicated quickly. They can settle in your dog's fur and promptly establish a nest of fleas to bother your pooch. Excessive scratching is an obvious sign of fleas on dogs, but here are 5 other dog fleas symptoms to look out for.

Restlessness

If your pup seems anxious, irritated, or unsettled, he may be infested with these pesky pests. The steady irritation from flea bites on dogs can make your pal feel restless.

Irritated Skin

If fleas are living in your pooch's fur, the continuous scratching and gnawing of the skin will likely cause irritation, turning it red.

Hair Loss

Similarly to irritated skin, if your dog is scratching and gnawing excessively, some hair may begin to fall out. If you notice any bald patches on your pup's body, it may be a sign of a flea infestation. The best way to stop this is by frequent flea combing.

White Gums

If you notice your dog has pale gums that aren't the typical red, he might be losing blood to a nest of fleas. White gums are usually a result of a loss of red blood cells. If this is the case for your pup, it may be a sign of a severe flea problem.

Flea Control for Dogs

In order to prevent the issue from becoming much worse, you should try and treat dog fleas as soon as possible. If you notice minor symptoms of fleas, treating your dog from home is not too difficult. However, if you notice signs of a severe infestation, you may want to seek treatment from a veterinary professional. The best way to avoid a flea problem for your dog is to practice flea prevention techniques, such as the use of various products or pills. If this is not taken into consideration, then fleas can become a serious health threat.

Pasadena native Sam Salvati is the adoring dog dad to Pablo, Ester and Farris. He enjoys keeping abreast of and writing about the latest developments in pet care.

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