Why My Dog Has Fleas
WouterIf your dog has fleas, you’ll want to get rid of them as quickly as possible. Fleas are small insects that live in dark areas near tall grass and can be hard to spot. They’re also very fast and can jump a great distance. The most common signs of fleas are small, red bumps on your dog’s body. Fortunately, there are a few simple things you can do to get rid of fleas.
One of the best ways to get rid of fleas is to use preventative medication, which is safer than pesticides. Veterinarians can recommend medications that will prevent fleas in dogs. Some of these medications, such as Comfortis, will last for a month with just one dose. This medication contains the natural substance Spinosad, which is made from a bacterium found in soil. The EPA has extensively tested Spinosad to ensure it is safe and effective.
Fleas thrive in warm, humid climates. Their ideal temperature is between 65 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. They will stay in the environment for up to a year, but in some places, they can be a problem year-round. If your dog spends a lot of time outside, he is more likely to be infested with fleas.
Fleas feed on your dog’s skin, fur, and blood. Female fleas can lay anywhere from twenty to forty eggs a day. In one month, ten female fleas can produce up to 250,000 eggs! Flea eggs are usually found on grass and soil in yards, but they can also fall on furniture and carpets. These eggs lay dormant for several weeks before hatching into adult fleas.
