Jan 17, 2025
Fleas are tiny pests, but their effect on your pets can be huge. These blood-sucking parasites not only cause itching and discomfort but can also lead to serious health issues if left untreated. But how do you know your pet has fleas? Pets, when infested with fleas, show symptoms of infestation.
In this blog, we will look at some of the common signs of fleas in pets and ways to protect them against these parasites.
Let's get started!
Here are some signs that your pet may have fleas:
If your pet scratches more than usual or seems restless, fleas may be the reason. Fleas bite your pet and feed on their blood, causing intense itching. Common hiding spots on your pet for fleas include the tail, groin, neck, head, and armpits. Along with scratching, you may notice unusual biting or licking as your pet tries to ease the discomfort.
Excessive scratching and biting due to flea bites can lead to noticeable hair loss. In some cases, pets may develop allergies to flea saliva, further aggravating hair loss and skin irritation.
Red bumps or rashes on your pet's legs, or tail area are signs of fleas. These bumps resulting from flea bites may cause your pet to feel itchy and uncomfortable. If left untreated, they may worsen, leading to infections or dry skin.
In severe cases, fleas feeding on your pet's blood may cause anemia. Pale gums, lethargy, and muscle loss are warning signs. Puppies, senior dogs, or sick pets are particularly vulnerable to this condition.
Flea dirt looks like black or brown specks and is found on your pet’s skin, bedding, or furniture. It is dried blood and will turn reddish if dampened.
Fleas can cause your pet to become unusually fidgety or irritable due to constant discomfort. Excessive itching and biting disrupt their normal behavior, leaving them restless or anxious.
Flea eggs are small, white, oval-shaped, and wingless ectoparasites. They can easily fall off your pet and land in areas such as carpets, bedding, or cracks in the flooring. Flea larvae, which look like tiny white worms, can also be found in these areas. Typically, they are 2 to 5 mm long and can survive in the environment.
Take a look at the tips for protecting your pets from fleas:
Check out the products that are effective in protecting pets against fleas:
Topical or spot-on treatments are applied directly to the pet’s skin to guard against parasites like fleas and ticks. Here are some of the most popular topical or spot-on treatments:
Frontline Plus is a topical treatment for dogs (from 8 weeks and 5 lbs) and cats (1.5 lbs) that contains fipronil and (s)-methoprene. It kills fleas, ticks, and chewing lice while preventing their life stages and controlling sarcoptic mange. This formula targets various ticks, including those that may transmit Lyme disease (Borrelia burgdorferi).
Revolution is a topical parasiticide used in dogs that are 6 weeks of age or older. It contains an active ingredient, selamectin, recommended for protection against a wide range of parasites. It kills adult fleas and prevents flea eggs from hatching, prevents heartworm disease, and is effective against ear mites, sarcoptic mange, and American dog ticks.
Spray treatments for fleas and ticks are designed to kill or repel these pests on pets. Here are some popular sprays for your pets:
Aristopet Flea & Tick Spray is a safe and effective treatment to protect dogs and cats against external parasites. It contains natural pyrethrins that quickly kill fleas and ticks, while tea tree oil keeps your pet’s coat healthy and smelling nice. This non-aerosol spray is safe for both pets and their bedding.
Get Aristopet Flea & Tick Spray
Effipro Flea and Tick Spray is a powerful solution to treat flea and tick infestations in dogs, protecting for up to 12 weeks. It’s also effective for cats for about 6 weeks and can help with Flea Allergy Dermatitis in both species. Safe for pets over 2 days old, it’s easy to use and effective against biting lice.
Flea and tick collars protect pets from harmful pests, helping to prevent infestations and the diseases they carry. Here are some popular collars for your pets:
Seresto Collar is an odorless and non-greasy collar for dogs and cats. It repels and kills fleas and ticks for up to 8 months. , It prevents fleas from laying eggs, ensuring long-term protection for your pet. This collar also protects against deer ticks (carriers of Lyme disease), American dog ticks, brown dog ticks, and lone star ticks.
The Bayopet Tick & Flea Collar with Propoxur is designed to keep your pet safe from ticks and fleas. It works quickly, stopping any new ticks and fleas within 24 hours, and can keep your dog protected for up to 10 weeks.
Chewable tablets or pills for pets are tasty and easy to consume. They are specially designed for pets to eat without any difficulty. Here are some popular chewable options for your pets:
NexGard is a monthly, highly palatable beef-flavored chewable tablet for puppies and dogs from 8 weeks of age and weighing at least 4 pounds. It contains afoxolaner that effectively kills adult fleas, preventing flea infestations, and treats and controls tick infestations caused by black-legged ticks, American dog ticks, lone star ticks, brown dog ticks, and long-horned ticks. It is also indicated for the prevention of Lyme disease.
Bravecto Chews is a flavored chewable treatment for dogs 6 months and older, weighing at least 4.4 pounds. It Kills adult fleas and treats and prevents flea infestations for 12 weeks. It also treats and controls black-legged ticks, American dog ticks, brown dog ticks, and Asian longhorned ticks for 12 weeks & lone-star ticks for 8 weeks.
Fleas can cause discomfort and health issues for your pets, but with proper care and attention, you can keep them safe. By noticing the signs of fleas you can address the problem early and prevent a full-blown infestation. It will help you to keep your pet safe and healthy.
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