Why do dogs get fleas and how can you get rid of them?

By Charlotte Francesca Stiles, DVM

If you’ve ever had a pet, the chances are you’ve come across fleas. These tiny critters can be just as much a nuisance to our pets as they can to us. Just the thought of them can make us feel itchy, however, there is more to fleas than you may think.

In this article, we’ll explain everything you need to know about why dogs get fleas, and how you can help them by answering the following questions:

• What are fleas and how do dogs get them?
• How do I know if my dog has fleas?
• How do I stop my dog from getting fleas?

Disclaimer: Please refer to the information in this article as a guide only. If you think your pet may have fleas, it’s best to talk to your veterinarian about medication.

What are fleas and how do dogs get them?

Fleas are small, blood-sucking insects that can jump between our pets and us. They live on many different species of animals, biting them and feeding on their blood. The female flea can lay eggs either directly on the animal or in the environment.

This means that dogs can catch fleas from the environment (such as bedding, toys, and blankets) or other animals. Playtime with friends in the park or during walkies provides the perfect opportunity for fleas to jump from one dog to another.

It’s good to know that fleas can also be transferred from different species. So, if you have a multi-pet household, it’s important to treat and protect all the animals from fleas.

With our Lifetime Protection Membership, you can access veterinary professionals anytime by phone, email, or live chat. So, if you’re worried about your pet, you can get the help you need any time of day or night.

How do I know if my dog has fleas?

If your dog has fleas, you’ll probably notice them scratching, which can also lead to hair loss and red or sore-looking areas on the skin. If the infestation is particularly severe, they may even scratch to create wounds in their skin.

Irritated and sore skin can also lead to bacterial or fungal infection. Additionally, if your pet is struggling with an illness or older, they may lose too much blood from flea-feeding activities, leading to anemia (low number of red blood cells).

Sometimes, dogs can get allergic reactions to fleas, causing them to have heightened sensitivity to flea saliva (this contacts the animal’s skin during a bite). This can be extremely uncomfortable, however, it is preventable by using the products discussed later in the article.

How to get rid of fleas

If the thought of all this has got you scratching, don’t fear! Here are the necessary steps to get rid of fleas:

• Medication - There are different forms of medication which kill fleas. Some products can be applied to your dog’s skin (spot-ons) and others are in the form of tablets for your pet to eat. You can buy a ‘spot on’ from a pet shop, however it’s good to remember that products available without a prescription from your vet are less likely to be as effective. Don’t forget, it’s important to treat all animals in the household, using medication designed especially for them (products for dogs are usually not safe for cats).
• Cleaning - As we mentioned earlier, fleas live in the environment too, so it’s important to thoroughly clean your home. This involves vacuuming, washing your pet’s belongings, and using a special spray designed to kill fleas.

It’s important to read the manufacturer’s guidelines and labels before using products against fleas in your home, especially if you have both cats and dogs. This is because a common component of flea treatment for dogs is extremely dangerous to cats.

We’d also like to mention that fleas aren’t the only insect parasite you need to protect your pet against. Ticks, lice, mosquitos, sandflies, and their associated diseases are also worth considering. It’s also a good idea to give your dog medication against worms regularly.

The good news is that there are combined products available, which can treat your pet against more than one parasite. It’s important to read the manufacturer’s guidelines and the label thoroughly to be sure your pet is covered.

How do I stop my dog from getting fleas?

It’s always better to prevent infections from occurring, rather than trying to treat them. Just like vaccinating, walking, and feeding your dog, protecting them against fleas is a normal part of their care.

Here are a couple of flea treatment types:

1. Spot on - These are special pipettes of liquid, which you deposit onto your pet’s skin (usually somewhere they can’t lick it, such as the back of the neck), and usually need to be re-applied each month.
2. Tablet - To get a tablet against fleas, you’ll usually need a prescription from your veterinarian. The advantage of tablets is that they usually last longer and provide better protection for your pet. Many vets offer special packages for pet parents, which include discounted flea treatment, so it’s worth asking.

We hope after reading this article, that you have all the information you need to control and prevent flea infestations in your dog. Flea infestations in pets are common and usually not a huge cause for concern, but it’s always better and extremely easy to keep your pet protected!