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If you have ever discovered fleas on your dog, you know that sinking feeling. Fleas are one of the most common — and most frustrating — problems dog owners face. The good news is that with the right knowledge, you can get rid of them and keep them from coming back. We sat down with a veterinary expert on our Bark & Wag 15 Minute Vet Talk podcast to get the real story on fleas. Here is what every dog owner needs to know. --- How Do Dogs Get Fleas? Fleas are incredibly resourceful parasites. Your dog does not have to be rolling in the grass to pick them up. Here are the most common ways dogs get fleas: • Other animals — Dogs can pick up fleas from other dogs, cats, rabbits, squirrels and even wildlife in your backyard. A quick sniff at the dog park is all it takes. • The yard and outdoors — Fleas live in grass, soil and leaves. Even a short walk outside can expose your dog to fleas waiting for a host. • Your home — Fleas can hitch a ride inside on your clothing or shoes and then jump onto your dog. Once inside, they can live in carpets, furniture and bedding for months. • Other pets in the home — If one pet has fleas, every pet in the home is at risk. --- Signs Your Dog Has Fleas Catching fleas early makes treatment much easier. Watch for these signs: • Excessive scratching, biting or licking — especially around the tail, belly and neck• Red or irritated skin• Hair loss in patches• Small dark specks in your dog's coat — this is flea dirt (flea droppings)• Restlessness and discomfort If you part your dog's fur and see tiny fast-moving brown insects, your dog has fleas. --- How to Get Rid of Fleas Getting rid of fleas requires treating your dog AND your home at the same time. Treating just one will not solve the problem. Treat Your Dog• Use a vet-recommended flea treatment — topical treatments, oral medications and flea collars are all effective options• Give your dog a flea bath with a flea shampoo• Use a fine-toothed flea comb to remove fleas and flea dirt from the coat• Always consult your veterinarian before starting any flea treatment, especially for puppies or dogs with health conditions Treat Your Home• Wash all bedding — yours and your dog's — in hot water• Vacuum carpets, furniture and floors thoroughly and dispose of the vacuum bag immediately• Consider a home flea spray or fogger for severe infestations• Treat your yard with a pet-safe yard spray --- How to Prevent Fleas Prevention is always easier than treatment. Here are the best ways to keep fleas away: • Use year-round flea prevention recommended by your vet• Check your dog for fleas after outdoor activities• Keep your yard tidy — mow regularly and remove leaf piles where fleas love to hide• Wash your dog's bedding regularly --- Listen to the Full Episode Want to hear directly from our veterinary expert? Listen to the full Bark & Wag 15 Minute Vet Talk episode below! https://directory.libsyn.com/episode/index/id/4729233--- At Bark & Wag we believe happy dogs start with healthy dogs. Browse our collection of dog collars, leashes and accessories made for active, adventure-loving pups and their families. 👉 Shop Bark & Wag Collections
Interviewed by Polly, Founder of Bark & Wag
Polly founded Bark & Wag after earning her MBA, turning a passion for USA-made pet products into a growing brand of collars, leashes, and accessories. Every Bark & Wag purchase supports animal rescue, and every product is tested by the brand's own dogs, Chuck and Winston.
