Can You Have Flea Dirt Without Fleas?
WouterThe first thing you need to do if you think your dog has fleas is to check his fur for flea dirt. Flea dirt is black specks that fleas leave behind in their fur. You can check for these spots by using a paper towel and soaking it in water. If the dirt is black, there is a good chance the fleas have been there.
Flea dirt is produced as a byproduct of the flea’s digestion of the blood of animals. It can be irritating to your dog, and it is best to seek professional help to get rid of a flea infestation. In this case, you can use the products recommended for preventing fleas from returning to your home.
You can also use an insect growth regulator (IGR), which will prevent flea eggs from hatching and prevent the larvae from developing. If the infestation is severe, you may need to call a professional exterminator to get rid of the fleas for good. However, you should also be prepared to wash and vacuum your pet’s bedding every day.
Flea dirt is not harmful to humans, but it can cause your cat to become irritated and have an upset stomach. If you can’t get rid of the flea dirt on your cat by bathing him, then a veterinary-strength shampoo or Ivory-based dish soap may help. But bathing a cat may be stressful, so you should first make sure that you’ve removed any fleas.
