When to Treat Dogs For Fleas
WouterKnowing when to treat dogs for fleas is important if you want to ensure that your pet remains healthy and happy. Fleas are small, parasitic bugs that live in carpets, bedding, and other surfaces of the home. They jump onto your pet to feed, but rarely stay. If you think your dog may have fleas, consult your vet for a treatment. Fleas may also be accompanied by tapeworm, which are about half an inch long and resemble cucumber seeds or rice grains.
Fleas can cause severe itching on your dog. Itching can lead to inflammation and secondary skin infections. Some pets are highly sensitive to flea saliva and may itch even from one bite. Flea poop is a dark brown or black speck found on your pet’s skin.
If you live in a warm climate, you should treat your pet regularly for fleas. During the warm months, flea activity peaks. However, the length of the flea season varies from one region to another. Typically, the flea season lasts from March to October, but in some areas, it may continue all year round.
Some people use spot-on treatment for fleas on their dogs. These medications are designed for the size of your pet. Spot-on treatments designed for large dogs will not work on small dogs, and vice versa. Similarly, spot-ons for dogs are not effective for cats, and they may even be harmful. For this reason, it is important to separate your pets for 12 hours after applying the medicine.
