Due to the way fleas feed, their bites tend to occur in small clusters.
You may be able to see a single puncture mark in the middle of the bite. Flea bites can sometimes bleed or scab over if you scratch them a lot.
If possible, try to avoid scratching the bites too much. Excessive scratching can cause the bites to become infected, and will also make the itching worse. Try relieving the itch with a topical cream, such as calamine lotion or an antihistamine cream.
You might find it easier to spot fleas on your feet or ankles if you’re wearing white or light-colored socks.
An animal being harassed by fleas may also act jumpy or irritable.
Cats with flea allergies often lose hair over large portions of their bodies, while dogs typically lose fur around the base of the tail. [10] X Research source
You might also notice general redness, irritation and inflammation, or areas where the skin is thickened or discolored. If your pet is allergic to fleas, they may develop sores that ooze or crust over.
Try combing your pet over a white surface, such as a piece of cloth or paper, so that any falling dirt or fleas are more obvious. To prevent the fleas from escaping and moving around your home, you can also comb your pet over a sink or tub with a little soapy water in it. This way, any fleas that you comb out of your pet’s fur will die when they land in the water. Since flea dirt is primarily composed of blood, it will turn red or reddish brown if you mix it with water. Focus on the parts of your animal where fleas are most likely to be active. For example, fleas most commonly gather on the ears, neck, lower back, and base of the tail on dogs. [13] X Trustworthy Source American Kennel Club The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source On cats, fleas may concentrate on the back of the neck and top of the head. [14] X Research source
If your pets do go outside, protect them from fleas by fitting them with flea collars or using regular spot-on flea prevention treatments. Some outdoor locations are more likely to have fleas than others. If you find that your pet keeps coming back from a specific park with a fresh flea infestation, try taking them to a different spot for a while and see if the situation improves.
Flea treatments that are safe for one species of animal may not be safe for another. [17] X Research source For example, you should never treat a cat with any flea medication containing permethrin. [18] X Research source A few good treatment options include spot-on flea medications, such as Frontline and Advantage, or flea shampoos such as Adams Flea & Tick Shampoo. There are also a variety of fast-acting oral flea medications on the market, which are helpful for severe infestations. Some popular brands include Sentry Capguard and PetArmor Fastcaps. You can also purchase a flea collar to kill fleas on your pet and prevent future infestations. However, some flea collars may contain insecticides that are dangerous to pets and humans, such as tetrachlorvinphos, carbaryl, and propoxur. [19] X Trustworthy Source National Resources Defence Council Multinational environmental advocacy group focused on grassroots activism and legislative action Go to source
If you can’t wash your pet’s bed, or if it’s thoroughly covered with flea dirt and dander, throw it out and replace it. It’s also a good idea to wash fabric pet toys and any surfaces where your pet likes to sleep, such as throw rugs or comforters. If your pet likes to sleep on your bed, wash your sheets and other bedclothes.
After vacuuming, immediately empty the vacuum cleaner’s dirt chamber or remove the dust bag and throw it away outside your home.
Flea treatments may come in the form of a spray or a “flea bomb” designed to spread the insecticide through your entire home. You may need to reapply the insecticide treatment after a couple of weeks to make sure you get any fleas that have hatched since the first treatment.
