Flea Bites on Dogs

Reviewed by Dr. Fiona Lee

Flea bites on dogs can be a nightmare if you don't get those tiny insects under control fast. Not only are fleas uncomfortable, but they can also carry diseases that can be harmful to you and your pet. If you suspect fleas, it's important to get the problem taken care of right away.

Understanding flea bites and their causes

Fleas are tiny insects that pack a big punch. There are more than 2,200 species of these bloodsucking parasites worldwide.¹ And, despite its name, the cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis) is the one that's probably infesting your dog.¹ The cat flea targets more than 50 species of mammals and birds, including dogs, cats, opossums, rabbits and foxes.¹ These fleas even bite people, though they don't live on them.²

Fleas are dark brown or black, wingless bugs with claws on the bottom of their legs. They can jump over a foot high and move fast. You'll see fleas more often when it's warm outside, but even during cooler weather they might be hiding in your carpet or bedding. They tend to congregate around an animal's ears, neck, stomach or back.²

While flea bites may only last a few days, the problem is that they keep recurring.² If you don't get rid of the fleas, you and your dog will just keep getting bitten over and over again.

Symptoms of flea bites

Some telltale signs can clue you in to whether your dog has fleas:

• Tiny raised red bites on your dog's skin³
• Frequent scratching³ or biting at the skin¹
• Red, inflamed skin³
• Itchy spots with hair loss³
• Tiny itchy bites in a cluster or line on your own legs²
• Tiny black flecks the size of pepper on your dog's body or bedding—these are flea droppings and turn reddish if put on a damp towel²

A good way to check for fleas is by running a flea comb through your dog's fur. The prongs are spaced very closely together, allowing the comb to pick up fleas or flea dirt.²

Can flea bites cause illnesses in dogs or people?

Often, flea bites are just an inconvenience, but sometimes they can bring more serious diseases in dogs or even people. Examples include:

• Flea allergy dermatitis: Dogs may develop itchy skin or hair loss from an allergy to flea saliva.¹
• Anemia: Dogs that are heavily infested can develop anemia from blood loss. Puppies are especially at risk.¹
• Tapeworms: Dogs can get tapeworms if they accidentally ingest an infected flea.¹ You might notice tiny rice-sized segments in your pet's poop or bedding.⁴
• Flea-borne (murine) typhus: This rare disease is caused when a flea infected with Rickettsia typhi bites an animal or person. Symptoms begin within two weeks of infection and can include nausea, fever, body aches and a rash.⁵
• Cat-scratch disease (Bartonella henselae): Fleas can sometimes infect animals with this bacteria, which can then be passed on to humans through a bite or scratch. Pets may be asymptomatic or have fevers or joint pain. Humans can develop swollen lymph nodes or fever.⁴

While the above is not an all-inclusive list, it illustrates the importance of flea prevention.

Diagnosing and treating flea bites

If you suspect fleas, visit your veterinarian. They can often diagnose fleas just by reviewing your pet's symptoms (and making sure the problem isn't caused by something else, like ticks or a skin condition).⁶ They can also determine if your dog has any other issues, like flea allergy dermatitis, and treat those too.¹

Flea treatment is twofold: It involves treating your pet, followed by treating your home and yard so the fleas don't return.

1. Treating your dog for fleas

There are both prescription and over-the-counter home flea treatments. Your veterinarian can help you decide which is best for your dog. Possible treatments include:

• Flea shampoos and powders: Flea shampoos and powders are a quick, over-the-counter treatment.⁶ However, they only work on adult fleas, not larvae or eggs.³ They typically only last a short time.⁶
• Flea collars: These only affect adult fleas, so your dog may still need a medicine that also targets eggs and larvae.⁶
• Prescription flea medication: Your vet may prescribe a pill that can kill all the adult fleas on your dog fast.

Ask your veterinarian before choosing a treatment, and follow the directions closely. Some medications, for example, are harmful to cats.

2. Treating your home and yard for fleas

After you treat your dog, you still need to treat your home and yard to ensure the fleas don't come back. It may take a few months to give your home the all clear. This is because fleas typically have a three-week life cycle, from egg to larva to pupa to adult. But sometimes, pupae stay dormant for months before hatching into adults.⁷

Here's what to do:

• Wash your dog's bedding and cloth toys using the sanitation setting.⁶
• Wash your dog's bowls and plastic toys in hot water with dish soap.⁶
• Vacuum your floors and carpets regularly, throwing the sealed vacuum bag away outside.²
• Consider using an indoor flea spray, along with an outdoor spray for your yard.⁷
• For severe infestations, you might need a one-time home fumigation, either by purchasing a flea bomb or hiring a professional. You, your family and your pets will need to leave your home so no one is exposed to the fumes.³

Even after the infestation is gone, you'll want to continue your cleaning rituals to ensure the fleas don't come back.

Preventing fleas from reinfecting your dog

Once you've eliminated fleas, it's important to keep your dog on a flea preventative.³ This can protect your pup from future fleas, including if he's outside (such as if you go camping together) or around other animals. Some varieties also protect against ticks, which carry Lyme disease.

There are over-the-counter and prescription varieties to choose from.⁶ Prices range from about $15 to $75.⁸ If you're getting a prescription, it will cost more for the medicine and the veterinarian appointment.⁸ Your options include:

• Flea collars: They repel fleas, but need to be applied snugly. These can last up to eight months.⁹
• Topicals: These are ointments applied to the back of the neck. They typically last one to three months.⁹
• Pills: These may last as long as three months, and can come in chewable form.⁹

Always read the labels closely, and consult your veterinarian before choosing a treatment. Some products, for example, are OK for dogs but not for cats.

Pets Best has your back

Dealing with a flea infestation isn't easy. But as a loving pet owner, you'll want to do whatever it takes to keep your dog comfortable, healthy and happy. And once the fleas are gone, it only takes regular maintenance to keep them at bay, allowing you and your pet to rest easy.

Investing in pet insurance is a great way to help protect your dog from fleas and the illnesses they can cause. At Pets Best, our dog insurance plans cover illnesses, and we offer optional wellness add-ons for preventive care like flea and tick prevention. In addition, Pets Best policyholders can speak to a veterinary expert anytime through a 24/7 Pet Helpline. This can be a big help when you're trying to figure out if your dog has fleas.

Sources/Citations

1. Burke, A. What Do Flea Bites Look Like on Dogs? American Kennel Club. Published March 25, 2022. https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/flea-bites-on-dogs/

2. Flea Bites. Cleveland Clinic. Reviewed August 31, 2021. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21718-flea-bites

3. Flea Bites on Dogs: What They Look Like and What You Should Do. OrlandoVets. Updated March 31, 2023. https://orlandovets.com/blog/flea-bites-on-dogs-what-they-look-like-and-what-you-should-do/

4. Can Flea Bites Make My Pet Sick? Hebron Veterinary Hospital. Updated November 19, 2021. https://hvhct.com/blog/pet-care/can-flea-bites-make-my-pet-sick/

5. Flea-Borne (Murine) Typhus. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Reviewed November 13, 2020. https://www.cdc.gov/typhus/murine/index.html

6. Corrigan, R. How to Treat Flea Bites on Dogs. wikiHow. Updated February 19, 2023. https://www.wikihow.com/Treat-Flea-Bites-on-Dogs

7. Cohen, A. Fleas. Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. Updated December 12, 2022. https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/riney-canine-health-center/health-info/fleas

8. Callihan, KJ and Fritz, A. The 8 Best Flea and Tick Prevention Products for Dogs of 2023. The Spruce Pets. Updated March 9, 2023. https://www.thesprucepets.com/best-flea-and-tick-prevention-products-4167611

9. Cohen, A. Flea and Tick Prevention. Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. Updated March 28, 2023. https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/riney-canine-health-center/health-info/flea-and-tick-prevention