Every pet owner dreads fleas. These common external parasites are hard to spot, and an infestation can be damaging for pet health and the comfort of your home. Thankfully, there are steps you can take to identify and eradicate these pests. The following guide explains what you should do if you suspect your furry family member has some unwelcome guests.

How to Handle Pet Fleas

How to Tell Your Pet Has Fleas

Fleas aren’t easy to see with the naked eye, so pet owners will need to watch for certain symptoms. The most common signs include frequent scratching, licking, and biting around the neck, head, lower back, and underside. Hair loss often occurs as a result of over-scratching. You may notice raised red bumps, inflammation, and pale gums as the infestation spreads. If you see small brown or black specks on your pet’s fur, use a flea comb to investigate. These specks, called flea dirt, are actually flea feces.

What to Do If You Suspect Fleas

An untreated flea infestation is a pet health risk and can eventually lead to skin infections from excessive scratching or tapeworms. Seek confirmation and advice from the veterinary hospital promptly. Your vet will administer a test to ensure your pet’s irritation isn’t the result of another issue, then recommend treatments, such as pills with active ingredients like afoxolaner or fluralaner. They may also recommend preventive methods, like flea collars.  

How to Get Them Out of Your House

Getting rid of the fleas on your dog or cat won’t eliminate the issue. Complete eradication will take time, effort, and vigilance. These insects lay eggs in carpeting, bedding, and other soft items your pet may touch, so your vet will strongly advise a deep cleaning of your home or professional extermination. 

How to Care for Yourself 

Fleas aren’t just a danger to pet health — they affect humans as well. Humans aren’t ideal hosts due to the lack of fur, but you’re still susceptible to bites if your pet is infested. It is thankfully much easier for humans to rid themselves of fleas. A thorough scrub-down in the shower should be enough to make you flea-free.

The best way to protect you and your pet from fleas is to rely on year-round preventative medicine. At Hilton Veterinary Hospital of Monroe County, NY, pets receive comprehensive veterinary services from a staff of compassionate pet health experts. This pet hospital understands the importance of prevention, so they offer wellness exams, parasite control, vaccinations, and dental services to every cat and dog in their care. Call (585) 392-2937 to schedule your next appointment. For a full list of services, visit their website.