10/20/2025
‼️FLEAS‼️
*y’all this one is long, but as bad as the fleas have been this year, it is worth the time…*
Fleas are small insects that survive by feeding on animal or human blood.
Their bites can cause discomfort, itchiness, and irritation.
💥Impact and health risks💥
-Bites: Flea bites are itchy, red bumps that often appear on the feet and legs.
-Allergies: Some people and pets can have allergic reactions to flea bites or their shed skins.
-Disease transmission: Fleas can transmit diseases to humans and animals, including:
🦠Plague: Transmitted by the oriental rat flea.
🦠Tapeworms: Can be contracted by accidentally ingesting an infected flea.
🦠Murine typhus: Also known as flea-borne typhus.
🦠Cat scratch disease: Spread between cats by fleas, which can then be transmitted to humans
💥Control and prevention💥
💊Treat pets: Use veterinarian-approved flea preventatives on pets.
🧺Clean regularly: Vacuum frequently, especially in areas where pets rest, and wash pet bedding often.
🏡Manage the yard: Keep your yard tidy and reduce the presence of wildlife that can carry fleas
✨ WAYS TO TELL IF YOUR DOG HAS FLEAS✨
Excessive scratching, biting, and licking, leading to red, irritated skin and hair loss. You may also spot tiny black specks, known as flea dirt, in their fur or bedding, or see the actual live fleas, especially around the tail, groin, and neck. Other signs can be a general restlessness, scabs, or even tapeworm segments near the a**s due to flea ingestion.
🐾Behavioral signs🐾
-Excessive scratching: Your dog may scratch, bite, or chew their skin more than usual.
-Over-grooming: This can lead to bald patches or areas of missing fur.
-Restlessness and agitation: Discomfort from itching can make your dog seem anxious or unable to settle down.
🐾Physical signs🐾
-Red, irritated skin: Look for red, inflamed patches, small bumps, or scabs from scratching.
-Hair loss: This is often concentrated in areas where the dog is scratching, such as the lower back, tail, and back of the legs.
-Flea dirt: These are tiny, black specks that are actually flea f***s. You can test a speck by putting it on a damp paper towel; if it's flea dirt, it will turn red.
-Visible fleas: You may be able to see small, reddish-brown, live fleas on your dog's skin or in their fur, especially in warm, hidden areas.
-Tapeworm segments: Fleas can carry tapeworms, which may appear as small, rice-like segments around your dog's a**s or hind end.
-Pale gums: In severe infestations, the blood loss from fleas can cause anemia, which is indicated by pale gums.
👀How to check for fleas👀
Use a flea comb: Comb your dog's fur with a fine-toothed flea comb and check the comb for fleas or flea dirt.
Use a white surface: Have your dog stand on a white piece of paper or in a white bathtub to easily see any fleas or flea dirt that fall from their coat
❗️💥❗️Essential steps for a complete flea treatment:❗️💥❗️
❗️Clean the environment: Thoroughly vacuum your home and wash all bedding in hot water to eliminate flea eggs and larvae.
❗️Use a long-term preventive: Apply a vet-recommended topical treatment or give an oral medication to kill adult fleas and prevent future infestations.
❗️Repeat baths if necessary: You may need to bathe your dog again in a few days to kill any newly hatched fleas
❗️Consult your veterinarian: If you're unsure about the best treatment plan for your dog, especially for a severe infestation or if your dog has sensitive skin, consult your veterinarian
