Banish That Scratching - Helping Those Fleas Flee From Your Dog

They are small, disease carrying, and hard to kill. What are they? Fleas! These little pests can make both you and your dog completely miserable. Here are some ways to help prevent them.

First, start out with a clean slate. If you already have fleas, you are going to want to make sure that they are completely gone. For minor infestations, wash all linens and bedding, including things like curtains and sofa covers. Pay special attention to the areas that your pet frequents. Vacuum all carpeted areas, immediately removing the bag and taking it out of the house. Fleas can live quite happily inside the vacuum bag, so if it is not removed they will simply hop back out again and re-infest your home. In severe cases, you may want to leave your home for a few days, taking your dog with you, and have a professional exterminator come in and spray.

Always check yourself. Though humans are not the blood meal of choice for fleas, they can be carriers. Watch for small, itchy bites, especially below the knees. When going outside, avoid areas of thick brush or tall grass, and wear clothing that is tight around the ankles and wrists. You should shower immediately after being in flea-prone areas. If you are around other animals that have fleas, change clothes before entering your own home in the chance that there were any hitchhikers.

Next, check your pet. You might see the fleas themselves as small moving black bugs. Or you might only see a black dirty substance on your pet's hair. If you comb out a little of the “dirt� and place it on a white paper towel and moisten it, it will turn red. This is flea droppings, also known as flea dirt and is a sign of fleas. If your pet has fleas, check with your veterinarian about the best treatment. They may recommend a topical medication or a flea bath or dip.

There are several options for flea control. You can choose flea shampoos, which contain a minor toxin that kills fleas when you bathe your dog. These are used like a regular shampoo - just wet, lather, and rinse. You can choose flea dips, where a concentrated toxin is poured on the pet's coat and let to sit, and then rinse off. Dips offer some extended protection against new fleas. You can choose a topical application such as Frontline or Advantage, where a small amount of liquid is poured onto the animal's skin. These last for about a month or so, and some formulations even offer protection after swimming or bathing. Or you can even get a product like Program that is offered in a small, chewable treat. Program sterilizes adult fleas to keep them from reproducing, thus controlling the invasion.

If you have fleas, you will also want to watch out for additional health problems. Some dogs are actually allergic to fleabites, and even one can set them off scratching and chewing at themselves. This can lead to skin infections and hair loss. Watch for excessive chewing and redness of the skin. Another common side effect of fleas is tapeworms. Tapeworms are more difficult to detect on a stool sample diagnosis than some of the other intestinal parasites. However, they can sometimes be detected on the stool itself or on your pet. Seeing small, rice-like segments in your pets coat, on the stool, or on places where you pet frequents could indicate a problem and should be brought to the attention of your vet.

You will want to prevent future infestations of fleas to your home and pets. Make sure that all of the animals in your home are on a flea preventative. Even indoor only pets are at risk - pets that go outdoors can bring fleas in, you could bring them in on your clothes, or they can even come in through open windows. Check pets for fleas regularly, and you might consider spraying areas of the yard that your pet frequents with a pesticide. Be aware of flea-prone areas of your yard such as densely vegetated areas or piles of brush. Keep the yard clear and the grass short.

Fleas are a horrible nuisance and full of disease, but with a little prevention both you and your pet will be more comfortable in the knowledge that you are flea free!