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No matter how clean and healthy your pet is, they’re at risk of becoming a host for fleas. These dark, tiny parasites can easily infest your furry friend without either of you noticing. If you think your pet has a flea problem, Buffalo Trace Veterinary Service in Versailles, KY, will find a solution. This veterinary clinic lists five common signs of fleas in pets.

5 Signs Your Pet Has Fleas

1. Bald Spots & Hair Loss

While petting or brushing your pet, you may notice unusual hairless patches of skin. This could be due to an allergy to flea saliva that causes irritation and hair loss. It could also be caused by biting and scratching affected areas, which causes pets to tear out their fur in search of relief. Contact your veterinarian to determine and treat the cause of hair loss.

2. Excessive Scratching & Biting

It’s normal for cats and dogs to scratch or bite an itch now and then, but if they are doing it to the point of soreness or injury, it indicates a pest problem. Fleas target specific, hard-to-reach areas of the body to feed, such as the neck, tail, head, and groin area. Pay attention to where your pet is scratching to detect the likelihood of fleas.

3. Red, Raised Bumps on Skin

veterinary clinicFlea bites may leave small pink or red welts, which generally come in clusters. Severe allergic reactions can result in large red patches and even more itching. These irritating bumps will become inflamed and grow when scratched, so be sure to bring your pet to the veterinary clinic soon after you spot them.

4. Specks of Flea Dirt in Fur

“Flea dirt” is the polite term for the small, reddish-brown or black specks of feces left by fleas. To check for flea dirt, have your pet stand on paper towels while you brush them. If any black specks fall off, wet them and see if they turn reddish-brown. The color comes from digested blood and indicates feeding fleas.

5. Pale Gums or Low Body Temperature

Checking your pet’s gums every once in a while is a good way to get a basic read on their well-being. Healthy gums should be smooth and pink, possibly with some pigmentation. Pale gums are a symptom of anemia, which could be a result of severe blood loss due to fleas. Low body temperature is another sign of anemia. Visit your veterinary clinic as soon as possible if your pet is experiencing these symptoms.

Buffalo Trace Veterinary Service has the tools and medication your pet needs to stay parasite-free. If your cat or dog is already itching, they offer effective treatment options. These experts can give you tips for treating your home for fleas as well. Their services include pet preventive medicine, so you can ensure parasites will never be an issue for your pet again. Call the veterinary clinic at (859) 879-3582 or visit their website to request an appointment.

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