Dog fleas (Ctenocephalides canis)

Dog fleas are as easily caught as those by cats, except the interesting thing is that cat fleas are often the culprit and as many are found on dogs as on cats! It may well be the cats getting their own back for being barked at and chased but that is highly speculative on my part.

Dog fleas are the same as cat fleas in as much as they can have the same impact on dogs regarding the flea saliva which fleas excrete. This flea saliva can cause an unpleasant dermatitis (skin complaint) which in frail and elderly dogs can cause considerable pain and suffering. The skin can become raw with a raised rash, which due to repeated scratching can become scaly with scabs and fur may be lost. Infection is a major possibility when this occurs and the dog may become increasingly frustrated, miserable and irritable.

Some dogs on the other hand are capable of tolerating flea bites and are not too bothered by them; then usually it is you who begins to suffer when the host, your pet dog isn’t around and the fleas decide to feast on you instead. It is a good idea to regularly groom your pet with a fine flea comb so you are able to have an early detection system going.

Once a dog and you home are free of fleas it is preferable to keep it that way with regular flea medication for your dog, grooming and regular and thorough vacuuming of the house.

Dog Flea Treatment

Flea treatment for dogs are in abundance and you can buy them from a variety of sources such as online, in the supermarket or at your local veterinary practice. The products available all vary in their method of killing fleas as well as their composition.

The effectiveness of all the different products varies as well as some will take longer to work than others and the more organic may take even longer to become effective.

Your dog’s safety is the overriding concern and whilst some chemical products may seem cheaper they may well not be in the long run.