The Facts About Fleas!

"Fleas are tiny wingless insects that feed on dogs, and among other animals. Flea bites make some dogs, who are allergic to the flea saliva, so miserable that they bite and scratch. Other dogs do not seem to respond to flea bites with the same intensity. If you see evidence of fleas on your dog, it is essential to remove them as quickly as possible, before the flea population grows. Hungry fleas sometimes bite humans, too, leaving small, red, itchy bumps on the wrists and ankles.

How can you tell if your dog has fleas?
You may actually see the dark fleas, about the size of sesame seeds. Their favorite places include the base of the ears and the rump. Look closely in sparsely haired places like the groin for signs of fleas. A more accurate way to diagnose fleas, however, when live ones aren't observed, is to part the fur in several places and look for tiny black specks about the size of poppy seeds. These specks are flea feces. If you're not sure whether you're looking at "flea dirt" or just plain dirt, place it on a damp piece of white tissue. After a minute or so, a small red spot or halo will become apparent if it's flea feces, since the blood rehydrates and diffuses into the tissue.

Getting rid of fleas on your dog.
The flea comb is a handy item which helps you determine if your dog has fleas. The teeth are set very close together and snare flea evidence when the comb is drawn through the dog's coat. If you trap a flea, crush it immediately. Though wingless, fleas can jump so fast and so far that they practically disappear the second you see them.

Getting rid of fleas entails killing them on the dog as well in the environment. There are many products on the market today that help eradicate fleas – some contain poisons and others are homeopathic in nature. It is best to visit your local veterinarian for safe products for your dog.

It is necessary to treat not only a dog for fleas, but also the environment your dog lives in. If sprays or flea bombs are used, care should be taken to remove all food, exposed dishes, utensils and housewares from the area being sprayed or bombed. Humans and animals should also not be exposed to the chemicals according to the instructions listed with the spray or bomb so please read direction carefully! You must understand that just killing fleas on your dog is not enough to prevent the infestation from repeating. The environment must also be treated, as well as any other dogs or cats that live in the household. Also, flea eggs may survive several weeks after live adults have been eliminated. Repeat treatments are necessary.