It is possible for a dog not to have fleas. However, without regular flea treatment, it is unlikely that the dog will not get fleas at some point in their life. The dog’s everyday environment and where they are exercised, and if they receive regular treatment for fleas will also impact whether or not they will get fleas.
A dog exercised in fields, woods, and parks will have more exposure to the risk of fleas than one who is lead-walked around town. But there is still a risk of picking up fleas in an urban environment, so you shouldn’t get complacent.
Fleas like to feast on our dog’s blood and prefer dark, warm, and humid feeding grounds. Our dog’s fur offers these conditions. A flea will hop onto our dogs to feed and drop off again. So it’s essential to treat our dogs with a deterrent for fleas.
Some dogs are more attractive to fleas than others, the same way that some people are more attractive to mosquitoes than others. You can read about the flea life cycle here.
Can A Dog That Scratches Not Have Fleas
Fleas aren’t the only thing that can make our dogs scratch. Skin conditions can also lead to our dogs scratching and licking. Issues such as:
- Food allergies
- Pollen allergies
- Dry, flaky skin
- Mites
If you have checked your dog for fleas and the scratching and licking continues, then it’s essential to get your dog checked at the vet. Your vet will be able to help you reduce your dog’s symptoms and relieve them.
Itching can be uncomfortable for your dog. Over licking and excessive scratching can cause the skin to become infected. A visit to the vet is the best option for your dog.
Flea Treatments For Your Dog
There are many options for flea treatment on the market. Some people swear by homeopathic remedies for flea treatment, which can be bought online and in shops. However, they don’t like the idea of chemicals being given to their dogs.
Some people are happy with over-the-counter flea treatments, which tend to be spot-on liquids that you put onto your pet’s skin between their shoulder blades.
Some prefer flea treatments from their vets. The treatments from your vet often cover multiple things, such as; fleas, ticks, and worms. These can be monthly or 3-monthly treatments and tend to be in tablet form.
I prefer the vet option for my dog and cat. She gets exercised in fields, woods, and parks. However, she likes to explore in the bushes and brambles, so she is highly vulnerable to fleas and ticks. My cat is also an outdoor cat, and as we live in a countryside environment, he is also susceptible to fleas and ticks.
Do I Have To Give My Dog Flea Treatments
It’s wise to give your dog flea treatments, not only for your dog’s comfort but also for your home. Fleas won’t just infest your dog; they will also invade your home.
Fleas aren’t fussy about who they will feast on. They like humans as much as they like dogs and cats. If you get a flea infestation, it can take up to three months of intense cleaning and treatments to get rid of fleas from your home.
Fleas will make a lovely home for themselves under your sofa, bed, curtains, and floorboards. They can stay in their lava state for months and then hatch to reinfest your home if you miss one of them.
It is much easier to treat your pet with whichever flea treatment suits your dog than spend months trying to get rid of an infestation.
My Dog Keeps Getting Fleas
Not every flea treatment will suit your pet or their lifestyle. Some treatments work better than others. You may have to try several different treatments before you find one that works for your dog. In that respect, dogs are like us; what works for one may not work for someone else.
You may also still have an infestation lurking in your home if your dog is still getting fleas. There are many sprays and flea bombs on the market that can help get rid of fleas from your home, and they may have to be used several times before the flea cycle is broken.
You will have to treat your dog and give your home a thorough treatment at the same time. Fleas are every pet owner’s nightmare, especially to get rid of them! Regular flea treatment for your dog and regular vacuuming and mopping will help keep fleas at bay. Good luck!
Final Thoughts on Dogs and Fleas
There are many options available for you to choose from for flea prevention treatment. It’s essentially a personal preference and what works for your dog. Be it homeopathic, over-the-counter, or vet treatments. Flea treatments need to be done regularly for them to be effective. It’s much less hassle to give your dog regular flea treatments than to get rid of a flea infestation in your home!
I hope that you found this article helpful.
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