Questions about your dog’s skin care can come as a result of allergies, matted hair, injury, or pesky parasites. Since fleas love warmer weather, they’re certainly something you need to watch for all summer long as they can cause issues for your dog’s skin.
If you suspect that your dog may have fleas, seeking out a dog flea removal service is a good idea. Unfortunately, fleas can cause several issues if left untreated. Trust us when we say it’s best to get rid of these pests as soon as you can!
What Is a Flea and How Does It Impact Dog’s Skin Care?
Fleas are parasites that live outside their host but feast on their blood to survive. Fleas are very small, only about 2 millimeters in size, making them tricky to spot. As such, you may not notice the fleas themselves, but the effects they have on your pet, their health, and their skin.
An experienced dog flea removal service can tell you that fleas are built to survive your dog scratching, so even with their best efforts, they won’t be able to get rid of these parasites on their own. An adult flea can live a few months and female adult fleas lay thousands of eggs at a time, so their presence can grow very fast in a short amount of time.
A flea bite will produce a raised bump on your dog that is itchy, red, and swollen and can last for weeks. All it takes is one flea bite to send your dog into itchy misery and require their skin to have some much-needed care to relieve the discomfort.
How to Prevent, Treat and Watch for Fleas
The best way to handle fleas is to avoid getting them in the first place! Flea grooming for dogs, meaning regular grooming appointments, is one of the best ways to prevent fleas. Your dog’s coat will be manageable, making it easy to do a flea check, and your groomer will also be able to alert you to any concerning bites or irritations they notice on your dog’s skin. You can also ask your vet about bug spray and oral or topical flea protection.
Even with prevention, it’s best to know what signs to look for. You should be concerned about fleas if you notice:
- Flea bite marks.
- Flea “dirt” – take a wet paper towel and see if the dirt you see changes from brown to red.
- Hair loss.
- Scabbing or hot spots.
- Light or white gums.
If you have any suspicions, take your dog to the vet. It’s important to get confirmation and then choose the right type of treatment to deal with fleas quickly and effectively.
Flea Grooming for Dogs at Smoochie Pooch
At Smoochie Pooch, we know that pet grooming isn’t simply about having your pet look good. It’s about supporting their overall wellness by ensuring their skin, coat, ears, and eyes are well maintained and healthy. With knowledgeable groomers that have breed-specific knowledge and training in pet skin care, you can count on us to be the partner your dog needs to feel their best. To find out more about grooming your pet to prevent parasites, contact us.
