Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Dogs

Help! I think my dog has fleas. Now what?

What is the best flea medicine and treatment for dogs? Here's what to know

BethAnn Mayer
By

Fleas. They’re sort of like the lice of the dog world. You know they’re a possibility, but you’re crossing your fingers, hoping they never come for your pup.

Like lice, fleas are generally harmless but annoying. Unlike lice, which usually happens through prolonged head-to-head contact (something small children do more than you may think), it’s easier to prevent fleas in dogs. Flea medicine for dogs can treat the issue, but monthly preventatives can help your pet avoid it altogether. Still, you want to know the signs and symptoms if your dog catches fleas. Luckily, vets are also versed in flea treatment for dogs.

Recommended Videos

What flea treatment is available for dogs? How did my pet wind up with this issue in the first place? Here’s the 4-1-1 on fleas and Fido.

Dog rolling in grass
Image used with permission by copyright holder

How do dogs get fleas?

There are several ways dogs can get fleas, including:

  • Grass. Wildlife roams your backyard or pup’s favorite park. It may lay flea eggs or transmit fleas through the ground.
  • You or another pet. Fleas like to jump (something that distinguishes them from lice). You or another dog (or even a cat) may bring one inside, landing on an unsuspecting victim: your pooch. (Your pet can return the favor and give you fleas, too.)

Look out for these telltale signs that your dog has fleas:

You can check for fleas in dogs by combing and inspecting their coat, particularly around the belly, groin, and base of the tail. Fleas are small and challenging to spot. Flea dirt, which looks similar to pepper or sand, is a bit easier to find. You can place your dog on a white towel while grooming them to help make the color more noticeable.

Generally, fleas don’t pose a life-threatening issue for dogs, though they cause discomfort. However, your dog may develop lesions or cuts without treatment. They can become infected, leading to further problems.

A dog scratching
Image used with permission by copyright holder

What is the best flea treatment for dogs?

The best flea treatment for dogs is prevention. Monthly flea medicine for dogs wards off these pesky bugs. If your dog isn’t on one of these medications or winds up with fleas anyway, you can treat the issue with help from your vet. Medicated shampoos, sprays, and antibiotics can rid your pet of fleas.

Cleaning can also reduce the risk of fleas. Vacuum the floors — it’ll rid your home of any flea eggs or even adult bugs you brought in from outside. Even hardwood and linoleum floors can make cozy homes for fleas. Remember, fleas can jump, so empty the vacuum bag or base as soon as you’re done and take out the trash. Regularly wash and dry your pet’s bedding to kill any fleas and larvae that set up shop in your pet’s cozy space.

Again, fleas generally won’t pose a severe medical issue. However, they’re no fun. Prevention and prompt treatment will keep your dog comfortable.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
BethAnn Mayer
BethAnn Mayer
Contributor
Beth Ann's work has appeared on healthline.com and parents.com. In her spare time, you can find her running (either marathons…
What to do if your dog keeps throwing up with no sign of stopping
Here's what to try first and when to call the vet
A dog sleeping in a bed with a water bottle on his head and a thermometer in his mouth.

If you're like most pet parents, the sight of your beloved dog throwing up sends shivers of fear down your spine. Just like us, dogs occasionally eat something that disagrees with them and causes them to vomit. In most cases, your dog's vomiting will resolve on its own, but if your pup keeps throwing up, it could be cause for concern.

We'll give you the rundown on everything you need to know about why your dog keeps throwing up, from potential reasons why your pet might be vomiting to when you should take your pooch to the vet. 

Read more
Can dogs eat celery? The do’s and don’ts you should know
Your pup will probably love a veggie snack now and then
Woman chops up veggies including celery for her dog

Your dog's favorite snacks might include dog biscuits, fancy chews, or even that bacon you dropped on the floor one time, but can dogs eat celery? The truth is lots of dogs like veggies, even bland ones such as celery. While you wouldn't want this green and healthy nibble to become a staple in their diet, you can absolutely give your pup a celery snack now and then — and they might grow to love it.

Can dogs have raw celery?
As omnivores, our pet dogs need a balanced diet of both meat and plants. That's likely because their domestic history made them into scavengers thousands of years ago when our ancestors were still in the hunter-gatherer phase. In modern times, this diet preference has huge benefits because you can throw in some healthful treats that will give your pup a nutrition boost and keep them full.

Read more
Seizures in dogs can be scary – this is what you need to do
How to help your dog if they have a seizure
Australian shepherd by brick wall

Witnessing a seizure can be jarring, especially if you never have before. You may feel scared and helpless if the person is a stranger at a restaurant or a friend or family member. What if that friend or family member is of the furry variety? The experience can take on new layers — you're supposed to care for and help a dog, but you have no idea what to do.

Your best bet is to call the vet if your dog has never had a seizure. Should the veterinarian's office be closed, an emergency hospital is equipped to handle seizures in dogs. If your dog is prone to seizures, your vet likely gave you instructions on what to do — follow them. However, perhaps you're in the lobby waiting for answers, trying to make sense of what happened. Alternatively, maybe you're a pet parent-to-be who wants to be prepared for anything and everything. This guide to seizures in dogs can help.

Read more