Where Does a Dog Get Fleas?
WouterFleas are spread between animals by direct contact, and you can protect your dog from fleas by putting a flea collar on him. However, your dog should not be left outside, as fleas love moist places and can jump on its fur. You should also consider putting a flea spray on your dog when the weather gets warmer.
Fleas can be transmitted from animal to animal in the house, but you can’t really prevent your dog from getting fleas from cats. Adult fleas jump from one pet to another and lay eggs, which hatch and bite your dog. To tell if your dog has fleas, look for ‘flea dirt’ (the fleas’ poo), crumbs of discarded food, or a red ring that extends from the dirt. You may even notice that your dog is infested with fleas when you see a visiting cat.
Thankfully, modern medicine has made it possible to treat fleas with preventative medicines. New oral medications are very effective at keeping fleas away from dogs. A veterinarian can prescribe a medication that will keep fleas away for weeks. If you suspect your dog has fleas, take him to the vet immediately and get the proper treatment. The meds can also kill adult fleas.
Fleas are easy to spot and can cause hair loss and itchy skin. They are small, dark, and about the size of a pinhead. They are often found on the belly and inner thighs. Flea dirt is dark and resembles pepper. It contains digested blood. The dirt spreads out like a small bloodstain.
