What Are Fleas And How To Get Rid Of Them Amy Smith, December 8, 2023January 9, 2024 What Are Fleas And How To Get Rid Of Them Image Source: Freepik Fleas are tiny, parasitic insects that can infest your pet’s fur and cause an itchy skin condition. They can also bite humans, which can lead to a number of health problems. Fortunately, there are many home remedies for fleas on dogs and other preventative measures you can take to keep them from coming back. Signs That Your Dog Has Fleas There are several signs that can indicate your dog has fleas. If you notice any of the following, it is likely that your pet has fleas: Excessive scratching, especially around the neck and base of the tail Visibly irritated skin, redness, or black specks (flea dirt) in the fur Tapeworms in your dog’s stool (fleas are a common carrier of tapeworms) How To Get Rid Of Fleas There are a number of steps you can take to get rid of fleas and keep them from coming back. The following are some of the most effective methods: Use a flea comb to remove fleas and flea dirt from your dog’s fur. Make sure to use a flea and tick remover that isn’t sharp to prevent injuring your pet if they were to jump while you are removing the tick. Bathe your dog regularly with a flea shampoo. Apply a topical flea and tick treatment, such as Frontline or Advantage, to your dog’s fur. Clean your home thoroughly, especially the areas where your pet spends most of its time. Vacuum furniture and floors, and wash bedding and other pet accessories in hot water. Consider using a flea fogger or flea powder to kill fleas in your home. Keep an eye out for any new signs of fleas and take action immediately if you see them. Preventing Fleas There are a few things you can do to help prevent fleas from infesting your home and pet. The most important is to keep your pet well-groomed and free of dirt and debris. You should also brush your dog regularly, as this will help remove any fleas or eggs that may be present in the fur. Additionally, you can: Clean your home regularly, especially in the areas where your pet spends most of its time. Vacuum furniture and floors, and wash bedding and other pet accessories in hot water. Apply a topical flea treatment, such as Frontline or Advantage, to your pet’s fur. Consider using a flea fogger or flea powder to kill fleas in your home that may have come in on your dog. Keep an eye out for any new signs of fleas and take action immediately if you see them. If you take the necessary steps to Pet Friendly Flea Prevention for dogs and keep them from coming back, your pet will be much more comfortable, and you’ll rest easier knowing that those pesky critters are gone for good. Can Humans Get Fleas? Yes, humans can get fleas. In fact, fleas are a common carrier of tapeworms, which can cause serious health problems in humans. If you think you may have fleas, it is important to see a doctor right away. Fleas can bite both pets and humans, making them a serious hazard to both. Tips on Preventing Humans From Getting Fleas From Pets There are a few things you can do to help prevent fleas from infesting both your pet and yourself. The most important is to keep your pet well-groomed and free of dirt and debris. You should also brush your pet regularly, as this will help remove any fleas or eggs that may be present in the fur. Additionally, do not let your pet sleep with you if you even suspect that your dog has fleas. Ways to Ease the Itching From Flea Bites on Humans There are a few ways to ease the itching from flea bites on humans. The most effective is to apply a topical anti-itch cream or lotion to the affected area. You can also take an over-the-counter antihistamine to help reduce the itching. If the bites are severe, you may need to seek medical attention. Tea Tree Oil also helps ease itching. Conclusion Fleas can be a nuisance to both your pet and you. If you notice any of the signs of fleas, it is important to take action right away. There are a number of steps you can take to get rid of fleas and keep them from coming back. Prevention is key, so be sure to keep your pet well-groomed and free of dirt and debris, and apply a topical flea treatment as needed. If you take these steps, your pet will be much more comfortable and you’ll rest easier knowing that those pesky critters are gone for good. Share on FacebookTweetFollow usSave Pets antihistaminebug bitescatDogfleaspetitchingtea tree oil