View mypetMD Content
Home

Does My Dog Have Fleas?

Share | Print
PrintPrint

 

Check the Environment

 

Fleas don’t just stay on your dog. They can also be found all through your house, and especially in areas where your dog spends a lot of her time. Closely examine your dog’s feeding area, bedding, and her favorite locations for signs of flea dirt (black specks), or for the fleas themselves.

 

Another method you can use to search for flea dirt in the house is to wear white socks and walk through areas frequented by your dog. Fleas and/or flea dirt may be picked up by the fibers of the socks and will stand out on the white background.

 

Another method, called a "light trap," may also help detect the presence of fleas in the household. At night, before all the lights have been turned off, set a small bowl of water with dishwashing soap near a nightlight on the floor. Fleas will tend to jump toward the light and will fall into the bowl, where they will drown. In the morning, you may find several floating in the water.

 

Get a Veterinarian’s Advice

 

If you can’t find any signs of actual fleas on your dog or in your living environment, or if you have done the full flea eradication treatment on your dog and home but your dog is still scratching excessively, it’s time to ask your veterinarian for advice. He or she will help you determine the cause of your dog’s discomfort and suggest treatment options.

 

Image: In All Your Glory / via Flickr

 

Share this page


Related Articles

10 Ways to Stop Fleas from Biting Your Dog
Ah, the joys of Spring and Summer. The return of swimming, hiking, dog/wellness/evr_dg_your_dog_and_a_flying_disc...
READ MORE
Understanding the Flea Life Cycle
There are four stages in the life cycle of a flea: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Depending...
READ MORE
  • Lifetime Credits:
  • Today's Credits:
Hurry Before All Seats are Taken!
Enroll
Be an A++ Pet Parent! Take fun & free courses to earn badges & certifications. Choose a course»

symptom checker

PETMD POLL

What do you use to prevent ticks from feeding on your pet?

Spot-on meds
60% (132 votes)
Oral meds
15% (32 votes)
Tick collars
7% (16 votes)
Other
6% (13 votes)
N/A (I do not use tick preventives)
12% (27 votes)
Total votes: 220


MORE FROM PETMD.COM