Signs A Pet Has Fleas And How To Rid Them

1. Itching

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The first tell-tale sign that your pet has fleas is if you can see them itching more than usual. If the flea infestation is particularly bad, you may notice that your pet doesn't stop itching at all, as their skin is constantly irritated by the blood-sucking critters!

2. Apply Flea Treatment To The Animal's Skin

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The most common way of preventing fleas is to apply a flea treatment to your pet's skin once a month. It's best to speak to a vet about the best one to use for your animal, as there are many on the market. It's simple to apply, and usually takes only a second, so it's great for you to do at home.

3. You Can See Them

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Despite fleas being tiny, they are visible to the naked eye if you look close enough. They're little black insects that can jump very high, so you may see them hopping all over your house. If you have applied the treatment to your pet's skin then you are likely to see the fleas jumping off!

4. Bathing

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Giving your animal a bath with soap and water is another effective way of getting rid of fleas. Sometimes it may be quite difficult (cats are notorious for hating water), but just persevere as the water will soothe your pet's skin, especially if they have been itching lots.

5. Scabby Skin

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When you're petting your animal you may notice some abrasions on their skin. This could indicate that your pet has fleas as they will have been bitten many times over. These bites are extremely itchy and your pet's claws are likely to cut their skin as they scratch.

6. Cleaning

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It's really important to clean all the surfaces that your pet has been on should they have contracted fleas, as they can carry on living in your house. They lay eggs all over the place and you don't want them hatching, so make sure you give everywhere a deep scrub!

7. Hiding

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You pet may hide more if they're being bugged by fleas. Being constantly bitten is so uncomfortable for them, and they probably don't understand what is happening. They may become scared and upset, which commonly makes pets hide away in fear and confusion.

8. Vacuuming

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Fleas absolutely loves fibrous material, and they especially love carpets. If you have carpet in your house then it is crucial to vacuum the area like a maniac as you will probably have fleas and eggs hiding away in it. Vacuum at the very least once a day until you know the fleas have all died.

9. Bald Patches In Fur

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Constant scratching will unfortunately cause your pet to lose some of its fur. You'll probably notice some bald patches on your animal where they have been irritated, so have a look to see if they could be infested. Stress may lead to fur loss as well, and is it a strong sign your pet has fleas.

10. Comb Their Fur

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Flea combs are great little tools for getting rid of the critters. Combing can be done at home, and sometimes requires a second person to hold your pet still. It's a good idea to have a bowl of warm soapy water to rinse off the comb as the fleas won't be able to hop out of the suds, causing them to drown in the water.

11. Biting Their Skin

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Sometimes a scratch won't do for your poor pet's itchy skin, and you may find them biting on it. The effects of flea bites on animals can be unbearable so sometimes only their teeth will do. Make sure to check the area as any lesions may become infected by constant biting.

12. Make A Vet Appointment

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Quite often flea infestations can become serious enough to warrant a visit to the vet. If they are overrun with the pests and are being bitten uncontrollably, then their skin may need to be assessed. It might be that the vet has more intensive treatment or can offer you advice on how to treat them yourself.

13. You Get Bitten

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Not only do fleas love to drink the blood of animals, they quite enjoy human blood, too! If your house has fleas then it is likely that you will get bitten, leaving you with itchy red bumps that will have you scratching alongside your furry friend! Contact your doctor for some anti-allergy medication which should help with symptoms.

14. Clean Your Furniture

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We all know how much our pets love to sleep on our furniture, so if your pet has fleas then it is highly likely that your sofa will have fleas, too. Make sure you are vacuuming, spraying, and washing and blankets or cushions regularly, as they will be attracted to the fibrous material.

15. Animal Is More Irritable

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We all know our pets really well and can sense a change in behavior, so it is always good to trust your gut. If your worried that your pet is acting out of the ordinary, then it's a good start to check for fleas as they may be experiencing some very uncomfortable sensations on their skin!

16. Skin Infections

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Unfortunately all that scratching and biting can lead to infections on your pet's skin, which you can usually see as you pay your pet attention. Make sure to see a vet for any suspected infections as they can spread and make your animal very poorly indeed.

17. Flea Bombs

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A great way to get rid of fleas in your house is by using a flea bomb. They are so effective and will kill of the fleas and their eggs, leaving you with a flea-free home, as long as your pet isn't still carrying any. The treatment is toxic so make sure everyone including your pet is out of the house before use.

18. Flea Dirt

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Just like any other living thing, fleas poop and it is big enough for you to see with the naked eye. Flea poop looks like dirt, and has been likened to "coffee grounds", so should you see anything resembling this in the house then it's a good idea to check your pet for fleas.

19. Use Worm Treatment

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Fleas not only cause irritation to the skin, they can also give your pet worms if they become infested. Worm treatment is super important for your pet, and is usually done every few months. As you're treating your animal for fleas, make sure to treat them for worms as well.

20. Spotty Skin

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Blemishes may be difficult to spot under your pet's fur, however they are a clear indication that your animal probably has fleas. When you are stroking or playing with your beloved, try to part their fur and get a look at their skin, you may even see some fleas there, too.

21. Spray Your House With Flea Treatment

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With so many flea treatments on the market, it's difficult to know which one to go for. It is always a good idea to find the right treatment for your animal, however it is crucial to also find the right treatment for your house. Getting a spray makes for an easy way to treat all surfaces in your house.

22. Thicker Skin

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Sometimes your pet may experiencing and thickening of parts of their skin as the fleas cause huge irritation and trauma to the area. You can usually feel for different textures on your pet's skin as you're petting or grooming them, so it's a good idea to pay close attention.

23. Wash All Bedding

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Your bed is an absolute haven for fleas, so it is vital that you wash, wash and wash again, any bed sheets that may have been out. If they've managed to get into your bed, they will have a feast at night as you soundly sleep, so it's crucial that they don't live their.

24. Red Skin

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Your pet's skins should never be red, and it is a sign of irritation which is often caused by fleas. The skin can become particularly angry if it is being bitten, scratched and chewed, so keep a close eye on the state of your pet's skin, as its color can tell you many things!

25. Flea Traps

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Flea traps may be a good way of seeing if your house is infested, so set at least on in each room overnight to see if they catch any. You can make your own by simply adding soap to a bowl of water, and set a lamp next to it. As the fleas jump to the light they will drown in the soapy water, and you'll be able to tell just how infested you are!

26. Bleeding

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Your animal may bleed from the bites or the scratches, and you may notice spots of it either on your pet or around the house. Blood loss can be fatal for some animals, and for some it can make them weak, so it is super important to notice it quickly so they can be treated before they get ill.

27. Throw Your Vacuum Bags Away

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Fleas are extremely resilient and simply vacuuming them up won't do. They will go on living in your vacuum bag and probably lay eggs. Any living flea will jump out of the vacuum and you'll go through the whole thing again, so it is crucial you throw out the bag after every vacuuming session.

28. Illness

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Fleas carry diseases which in turn could infect your pet. Your pet is likely to be chewing their infested skin, as well as grooming, so it is highly likely that they will eat some of the fleas that are eating them. Eating diseased fleas could make your pet very ill which is why it's important to lower risk.

29. Continue Treatment

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Just because your pet is free from fleas, doesn't mean you should stop treatment. The best way of avoiding flea infestations is by prevention, so continuing to give your animal flea treatment will lessen the risk of them contracting fleas again. You also never know if you've gotten rid of all the eggs so a treatment for this would be helpful, too.

30. Itchy Guests!

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It's never a good look to have friends or family over and have them leave with itchy skin - so try not to have visitors when you know you have an infested house. Likewise, don't go over to someone's house if you know they have fleas as you could bring them home with you!