Fleas in Dogs

Your dog has quite a high chance of getting fleas at some point in their lives — simply because they’re the most common parasite they can come into contact with. The good news is, you can regularly treat your dog to prevent fleas.

If your dog does get fleas, here are the symptoms to look out for and how to rid your dog — and your home — of the infestation.  

In this guide to fleas on dogs, you’ll learn: 

• Fleas can jump up to 13 inches to land on a host 
• A single flea can be the start of the infestation — going on to lay up to 50 eggs a day
• The flea bites your dog, but it’s their saliva that causes them to itch
• You’ll need to eradicate the infestation of fleas from your home as well as your dog

My dog has fleas, is this normal?

Dogs and fleas are a common combination, unfortunately. Any dog can get fleas. Adult fleas are small wingless parasites that can be picked up from the surrounding environment.

Fleas can jump 200 times the length of their body — which is around 13 inches — to land on a host. One female can produce up to 50 flea eggs per day. These eggs will hatch in around one to ten days.

If the environment is suitable (they love humidity), the larvae will feed and crawl around for up to two weeks. They then build cocoons in which they pupate into adults. With the right temperature, fully formed fleas can potentially survive in their cocoons for up to 12 months.

Fleas can quickly become a very irritating infestation of biting pests, feeding on the blood of our pets. Their saliva can cause your dog to become extremely itchy; dogs can definitely feel the presence of fleas, and experience discomfort as a result.

Eradicating an infestation must be done thoroughly in order to get rid of these pests. 

Flea prevention for dogs

You know what they say, prevention is better than cure — and that’s particularly true when it comes to fleas. Flea and tick prevention for dogs should be given regularly to avoid them getting either of these. Options include flea pills for dogs, a solution you apply to their skin or a specifically designed collar. 

It’s quick and easy to apply or administer. This saves the discomfort for your dog and the pain for you of having to remove the infestation from your home which can be difficult. 

Remember, fleas are more active in spring and summer, so this is the time you definitely want to be applying their treatment. 

Your dog should regularly be treated to prevent fleas. But, if they get them, they’ll need to be treated as soon as possible. Compare the best pet insurance plans and make sure you’re covered should your dog start itching. 

Not all our dogs will have a severe reaction or allergy to fleas, but most will be extremely uncomfortable and irritated. 

Signs your dog has fleas include: 

• Pruritus (intense itching and licking of the skin)
• There may be additional rubbing and chewing of the skin
• Scabbing or redness
• Skin sores
• Flea allergic dermatitis (FAD) which is an allergic reaction to the flea saliva
• Hair loss
• Restless behavior
• Visible evidence of fleas scurrying about, particularly in warm areas (between legs and on the belly)
• Dark specks of flea feces (f you put them on a wet paper towel they will turn red due to the digested blood)
• Flea dirt can also be found on dog bedding
• Pale gums (puppies with a severe infestation can become anemic from loss of blood)

What do fleas look like?

Fleas are very small (around 2mm) so they can be hard to spot. You’re more likely to see the flecks of flea dirt in their fur. If you could see them, they’re dark, flat and oval-shaped with a hard shell. Their back legs are longer, which helps them to jump so far. 

What do flea bites look like?

So, how do dogs get fleas? Unfortunately, a single flea can be the start of an infestation. Where you live and how much your dog is outside can play a part in how likely it is that your dog gets fleas. The most common place for your dog to get fleas is outdoors on the lawn, in larger gardens, and areas where there is an abundance of wildlife.

Squirrels, rodents, cats, and dogs can drop fleas on the ground, which in turn can jump on your pet. Mice that may make their way into the house can bring in fleas. Dog runs, dog houses, and kennels can also all harbor fleas.

What might surprise you is that you can also be the reason your dog has fleas. You can bring them into your home on your shoes and clothing. The fleas can then jump from you to your dog or from you to the carpet and then to your pet.

Fleas and flea eggs can easily drop on the floors of your house, infecting all members of the household. Fleas populate and hatch on furniture and bedding, and when your dog lies there, the flea life cycle continues.

Can dogs get fleas in winter? 

Fleas are most common in spring and summer. But, yes, your dog can get fleas in winter too. It’s less likely in cold weather but the warmth of the home enables them to survive. This is why the dog flea treatment to prevent them should be given all year round.

Can dogs get fleas from grass?

Can dogs get sand fleas? 

If you live near a beach or take your pet on vacation, then yes, sand fleas on dogs is common. They’re clear, tiny and can bite both you and your dog. If you’re wondering how to get rid of sand fleas on your dog, they attach their bodies to your dog so you’ll need a vet to remove them. As with regular fleas, you may also use a flea shampoo and will need to clean your home as they can attach to fabrics too. 

Can dogs get fleas from cats? 

There are over 2,000 different types of flea species in the world. Some can only survive on certain species, while others thrive on several species, but most will bite anyone available whether they can survive off their blood or not. 

If you see your dog itching their skin you should check for fleas. You can also visit the vet, who’ll be able to give a definitive diagnosis of a flea infestation. The vet will want to know your pet’s recent medical history and if they’ve traveled recently. They’ll then examine your dog to look for signs of skin irritation and flea bites. 

The vet will know exactly where to check for fleas (in the warm areas of your dog’s body) but may also use a flea comb that will easily remove flea dirt. The flea feces, when placed on a wet paper towel, will turn coppery red, confirming the presence of fleas.

They may also choose to do skin testing to eliminate other causes of itching, and to confirm if your pet has flea allergic dermatitis as well.

When to worry about fleas in dogs

You need to worry about fleas if they trigger secondary bacterial infections or initiate serious skin reactions. If the flea is ingested they can also be the cause of tapeworm. This is why you want to get rid of a flea infestation as soon as you are aware of it. 

You’ll want to know how to get rid of fleas — or perhaps, what kills fleas on dogs instantly? They are a nuisance for both you and your dog — making them something you want to deal with as quickly and efficiently as possible. 

It’s important to follow the advice of your vet as it isn’t always easy and not following the instructions is one of the main reasons that fleas can seem impossible to get rid of. 

You need to start with your dog’s flea treatment: 

• Flea shampoo might be recommended. The shampoo will kill the fleas on the body, and you will see them fall out of the fur as you rinse your dog. Once the shampoo has been rinsed, the effect quickly wears off. Therefore, shampoo is best used in combination with another product.

• Topical liquids are usually the flea treatment of choice. They take just a few hours to start working and are very effective. Prescription products tend to be most effective.

• Insect development inhibitors (IDI) may be administered orally. There are also injectable products that can be used.

• Most flea collars and powders are much less effective than the other treatments. However, a new collar called 'Seresto' is very effective and offers months of protection.

• The veterinarian may prescribe flea medicine for dogs to control skin irritation and soothe the itch.

Make sure to keep the vet informed of the progress and be sure to contact them if you are concerned about the potential side effects of medications, liquids, or any aspect of the treatment.

Home remedies for fleas on dogs

If you’re wondering how to get rid of fleas on dogs using home remedies, there are a few options you can try. Although it’s important to remember that these aren’t going to be as effective as over-the-counter flea treatment. 

A few options you could consider are: 

• Apple cider vinegar: You can dilute this with water and spray it on your dog as fleas don’t like the smell or taste. But, it’s not definitely getting rid of fleas and it won’t work instantly. 

• Coconut oil: This will suffocate the fleas when you cover your dog’s skin but it’ll be difficult to maintain.  

• Baking soda and salt: You can mix this with water to create a paste, apply to the skin and then vacuum off. Again, it’s not definitely going to rid them of the infestation. 

Now your pup has been treated for fleas you need to deal with your home straight away. If possible, you don’t want to take your dog into the house until it has been cleaned, sanitized and the flea eliminating product has been applied. 

Areas that need particular attention are cracks in the floors, bedding, furniture and closets as well as under baseboards and heaters.

House sprays containing insect growth regulators are products used to prevent the fleas from reproducing and completing the life cycle. They provide residual protection and need to be applied less often. They also have low toxicity and are safe for use around animals and children. 

It’s very important to hot wash your dog’s bedding several times over the next weeks and months. (An infestation may take between six weeks and three months to eliminate). Vacuum daily, taking care to remove the vacuum bag, placing it in a sealed bag which must be thrown in the outside trash.

You also want to keep your yard neat and clean, to make it less attractive to flea-carrying wild animals who may be looking for food or a place to nest. Likewise, the vet may suggest some products to use outside as well as inside. 

You’ll need to treat any other pets, even if they aren’t currently showing signs of fleas. If you haven’t been using products to prevent fleas, now is the time to start to avoid another infestation. 

You don’t want to leave it until your pet is itching to wonder how you are going to pay for treatment. Compare pet insurance and browse wellness plans today and you’ll have peace of mind that, whether they get fleas or any other condition, you’ll be covered. 

A prescription flea medication that you apply to the back of their neck is based on the age and weight of your pet, the brand you choose, and how many tubes you need. There are a variety of options for your pets ranging in price from $50 to $100 per box. 

Next, treat your house and yard. A good cleaning top to bottom and extensive vacuuming will help. Use a carpet spray for your carpets and furniture where the eggs will be hiding. This sells for $15 to $30 per bottle at most pet stores. 

Treat your yard with a spray to help stop the fleas at the source. The Advantage brand is a bargain at $20 to $28 per container.