Symptoms of fleas in dogs

Flea is a blood-sucking external parasite. Once a dog is infected with fleas, it will affect its normal life. There are two main aspects of the harm caused by fleas to dogs. First, fleas can transmit infectious and parasitic diseases; second, fleas are highly irritating to the skin, causing severe itching. If the dog scratches hard, it will cause skin damage, and the harassing dog will not be able to rest well. Causes decreased appetite and weight loss.

The pathogens of fleas and their life history

During most of their lives, fleas do not live on dogs. Because fleas are afraid of light, they often hide in the bedding of the kennel or in the cracks of the floor. They only infect the dog when they suck blood and lay eggs. A female flea can lay 100 to 200 eggs. Flea eggs are oval-shaped with two pointed ends, white, very small, and difficult to see clearly with the naked eye. As the dog moves, the flea eggs can be shed and spread throughout the dog's area. It takes about 21 days for a dog to hatch from an egg to an adult flea. In colder climates, the time may be longer. Newly hatched fleas can live without food for several weeks, waiting for the arrival of a dog.

Key points for diagnosis of fleas in dogs

The main clinical symptom of this disease is itching. The symptoms of sick dogs are scratching, rubbing and biting the coat, causing hair loss, hair breakage and abrasions. In severe cases, fluid may leak out from the skin abrasions, and even suppurative wounds may form. Sometimes it can cause allergic reactions and form eczema. If you find that your dog has the above symptoms, you should carefully check the hair on the neck and tail base. During the examination, comb the coat against the direction of hair growth and observe the hair roots and skin. If fleas or flea droppings are found, the diagnosis can be confirmed. You can also use a piece of moist white paper, place it under the person, and then comb the hair with a comb. The flea excrement will continue to fall onto the white paper, and the diagnosis can be confirmed.

Flea prevention and control measures for dogs

Commercially available flea powders and general insecticides can kill adult fleas, but flea eggs are highly resistant to pesticides , very difficult to kill. It must be sprayed several times continuously, usually once a week for more than a month. While killing dog fleas, the dog activity area, especially the dog's utensils, must be thoroughly disinfected. All bedding in the kennel must be replaced, and replaced items must be burned. Dogs with skin abrasions should be debrided, disinfected and prevented from infection. Dogs with severe itching can be injected with dexamethasone and diphenhydramine to relieve itching.
Paying attention to the dog's physical hygiene, bathing frequently, grooming frequently, and getting plenty of sun are effective ways to prevent fleas. In addition, using a flea collar is also a good idea. This kind of collar contains flea-killing medicine. There are many small holes in the collar. The medicine leaks out through the small holes and spreads over most of the dog's body. It can expel or kill fleas when they encounter them. But be aware that long-term use in some dogs can cause skin allergies.