31/05/2026
HOW TO HELP AN ITCHY DOG #1
Fleas / Flea bite hypersensitivity (FAD) is the commonest cause of itching in dogs - and has been for more than 50 years.
It makes sense therefore, if your dog has been itchy for more than a week, TO CHECK FOR FLEAS before considering other possibilities.
Before doing this, bear in mind that fleas quickly move away from light, and so parting the fur to see if any are there, often results in none being found. They are also extremely thin (like razor blades stood on end), which makes them even more difficult to spot.
The most effective way to determine if fleas are or have been present, is to comb the entire body from nose to tail catching all the debris that comes off on a sheet of damp kitchen paper. Soil / dirt will remain as small black / grey particles when rubbed. Flea droppings will leak blood into the moist paper turning it red in the process.
JUST ONE BLOOD SPOT IS ENOUGH TO CONFIRM THE PRESENCE OF A FLEA OR FLEAS.
NOTE:
Regular use of a chemical flea product does not mean that a pet is guaranteed to be flea free. Parasiticides only kill fleas after they have bitten and sucked blood. And so up to this point, they can still cause itching. Also, if a dog has a flea bite hypersensitivity (an allergic reaction to flea saliva), a single bite can CAUSE ITCHING FOR MANY WEEKS - even if the flea dies off immediately.
If no evidence of fleas are found, it's still important to check weekly to see if this is still the case, especially during hot weather when the flea population explodes (20 fleas can produce a population of HALF A MILLION in 4 weeks in such conditions) and it's easy for dogs to pick them up from other places dogs visit - such as vet clinics, kennels, dog shows, parks, grooming parlours, doggy day centres etc
If a flea infestation is confirmed implement the following measures (best all on the same day, if possible):
1. BATH all dogs in the house at the same time (or arrange for a groomer to do this - after warning them about the fleas first).
One effective solution is a combination of organic neem oil and organic tea tree oil shampoo.
Add 2 - 3 drops of the neem oil to a dessertspoon of the tea tree oil and lather all over, taking care not to get any in the eyes.
Rinse thoroughly with clean water and pat dry.
NOTE:
BEFORE PROCEEDING WITH THE ABOVE, test wash a small hairless area inside one thigh with the combination, and wait 48 hours to make sure there is no untoward reaction before using all over.
(CATS - after being professionally washed to remove fleas and eggs, an approved natural flea shampoo should be used in place of the neem / tea tree combination, as these and other essential oils are toxic for cats.)
2. VACUUM the house thoroughly from top to bottom:
Be sure to include curtains, sofas, rugs, mats, mattresses, corners, gaps in hard floors, baseboards, shelving, inside cupboards, hard to reach places under and behind furniture etc.
It's best not to leave anywhere a pet goes or might go unvacuumed.
This should be repeated every other day, until all signs of fleas have been absent for at least 12 weeks.
3. WASH all sheets, throw-overs, blankets and bedding - including your own just to be on the safe side.
4. APPLY a natural deterrent regularly to all pets:
Dogs: the neem / tea tree combination described above can be used weekly / fortnightly for this purpose.
Cats: combing freshly squeezed lemon juice down the back weekly is often effective (don't forget to test on the skin inside a back leg first as advised).
5. INSPECT all pets before they re-enter the house from outside:
This is particularly important after being in the garden, going on a walk or coming into contact with other animals at a friend or neighbours house, training classes etc.
6. If fleas have been present for any length of time, the home may need to be sprayed with a product designed to kill fleas and prevent eggs developing into adults.
NOTE:
These contain chemical insecticides, and as such should be handled with care, and used in strict accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
It is also advisable that all pets are removed from the house while this is carried out and all windows are opened to air the home prior to their return.
WORMS
Fleas can transmit tapeworms, and so when an infestation occurs it's important to screen for intestinal parasites every 3 months using this kit - https://www.vincethevet.co.uk/worm-screening/worm-count-and-lungworm-kit-combined
