Recognize Dog Flea Problems, Prevention and Eradication

Fleas and ticks that live on dogs
Smooth and warm fleece owned by a dog is a comfortable environment for fleas and ticks. Both of these insects live by sucking the blood of the dog and may causing health problems ranging from allergies to serious problems such as tapeworm infections. Both of these insects usually appear in the warmer weather .

Signs of fleas

• Flea droppings (dark spots) on fur
• Nits (white spots) on fur
• Dogs often lick or scratch excessively
• Scars/sores or skin irritation/hot spots on dogs skin

Fleas and Anemia
Ticks can swell 15x greater than its initial body weight  from sucking the hosts blood, so they drain a lot from the dog . Dog who lost a lot of blood will be experiencing anemia, puppy are vulnerable to be particular. Signs of dogs anemia appear as pale gums and lack of energy.

Fleas caused Skin infections
Fleas are the most common cause of skin disease in dogs. The moment fleas bite, the fleas saliva also flows into the dog’s body. Which triggers allergic reactions such as skin infections (also called flea allergy dermatitis). Signs of skin infection are itching, hair loss (especially in front of the tail), ulceration, skin redness and irritation.

How dogs can get fleas?
Dogs can be easily exposed to ticks when they’re outside the house. Female lice can lay eggs every hour, which led to increasing the number of ticks in a matter of days.

Fleas and your home
When fleas lay eggs on your dog , some of the eggs may fall and hatch in carpets, beds, or other furnitures. New fleas will then targeting you and your dog , sucking blood and laying eggs again . Carpets and humid areas are ticks favorite places. Thus, carpet replacement  and keeping your home as dry as possible can help prevent any future infestation.

Signs of Ticks
You can feel the tick while petting your dog and able to see it clearly with naked eyes. Ticks are often located near the head, neck, ears or legs. Ticks carry dangerous diseases and did not take long for a dog to infected by those diseases when ticks starts sucking his blood. If you find a tick on your dog, try to get rid of it as quickly as possible.

How to safely and effectively remove ticks ( Tick )
Do not use gasoline, nail polish, Vaseline, or alcohol. These methods may push infected fluid back into the former bite hole in the dogs body. Instead:

• Use gloves or a tissue to cover your hands.
• Pull the tick using tweezers from the side through his head close to the skin.
• Pull straight, don’t twist.
• Do not press the ticks large abdomen (be sure not to rupture the ticks stomach).

Wash the bitten area on your dog and your hands. The remaining ticks mouth parts are rarely causing further serious problems. But if you are worried, contact your veterinarian.