Why Does My Dog Keep Getting Fleas?
WouterFleas are very common external parasites of dogs. They are small, brown insects that live on a host’s body. They are often irritated and itchy, so it’s important to know what they look like. Fleas are reddish brown in color and about the size of a grain of rice. They move fast and can jump high. You can also see flea dirt, which is brownish-black in color and turns reddish when wet.
The life cycle of a flea starts when an adult female flea bites an animal and lays her eggs. The adult flea lives for a few days or weeks on her host and sucks blood two or three times per day. She then lays her eggs, which may amount to more than one hundred in her lifetime. These eggs then fall off your pet and fall onto the carpet, bedding or yard.
You can also use a flea spray to keep fleas from living in your home. These sprays are effective for up to a month and are much less hazardous than pesticides. A popular brand is Comfortis, which is a chewable flea treatment that lasts for up to a month. It contains an ingredient called Spinosad, which comes from a bacterium found in soil and has been extensively tested by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to be safe for humans and animals.
A flea infestation in a dog can lead to serious medical problems. A dog with fleas can develop allergies or even become infected with other parasites. It can also cause anemia in young puppies. Consequently, it is important to address the issue as soon as possible.
