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• Part 1 of 3: Identifying fleas
• Part 2 of 3: Treating a flea infestation
• Part 3 of 3: Preventing flea bites in the future

Fleas are very annoying for you and your dog. If you notice your dog scratching more than usual, check for signs of fleas, including eggs, bites and flea dust. In general, you can get rid of such an infestation with topical flea treatments in the form of shampoos and collars. However, before trying anything else, it's a good idea to check with your vet to make sure you're using the correct treatment and dose for your dog.

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Part 1 of 3: Identifying fleas

1. Watch for small red dots, flea dust, and flea eggs on your dog's skin. One of the most obvious signs of the presence of fleas is what they leave on your dog. Take a good look at your dog's skin to see if they have small, red, slightly swollen bites. In addition, fleas often leave behind "flea dust," which looks like small, dark grains of sand, as well as tiny white eggs that resemble grains of rice.
   • If your dog has an allergic reaction to the bite. Maybe the red area is bigger.
   • If your dog has a dark coat, you can run a flea comb through his coat to check for signs of fleas. Tap the comb over a piece of white paper to see if any flea dust or eggs fall from the comb.
2. Watch your dog to determine if he is scratching excessively. Excessive scratching, licking and biting on the skin are also obvious signs of the possible presence of fleas. Watch your dog's behavior to see if they are suddenly scratching, biting, or licking the skin more than usual.
3. Watch for irritation and scabs on your dog's skin. Scabs, bald patches and inflammation can indicate a variety of skin conditions, including fleas. If you suspect fleas, take a good look at your dog's coat to see if there are any irritated areas, bald spots or scabs.
   • If you find any of these symptoms, contact your vet. In addition to a sign of fleas, these symptoms can also indicate the presence of ticks, scabies and other skin conditions.
4. Use a flea comb. If you think your dog may have fleas, you can purchase a flea comb at most pet stores. Use the comb to check for fleas and materials that fleas leave behind. Flea combs make it easier to identify fleas, as well as flea eggs and flea dust.
5. Watch for jumping adult fleas. In severe cases, you can see the fleas jumping over your dog's back when he moves. Then take your dog to the vet right away for treatment.
   • The severity of the infection also depends on your dog. So don't panic. The vet will be able to tell you how serious it is and prescribe appropriate treatment.

Part 2 of 3: Treating a flea infestation

1. Check with the vet. Before using flea treatment, it's good to check with your vet to make sure you have the right treatment for your dog. Different sizes of dogs require different dosages, and puppies may be too small or young for certain medications. Call the vet or make an appointment to make sure you are using the correct treatment for your dog.
2. Use a flea shampoo to kill fleas. Flea shampoo is a fast-acting way to kill fleas on your dog. However, it is only the first line of defense and will only work for about a week. So take your dog to the vet for a more permanent oral medication. Read the instructions on the package regarding how to apply the correct amount to the correct areas of your dog's skin. Repeat the wash as recommended on the package or by the vet.
   • Too much topical flea treatment can cause irritation and be potentially dangerous to your dog. Make sure you use the correct amount for the size and age of your dog.
   • Use a flea comb to comb out your dog's coat after it dries to help remove any remaining eggs.
   • If you apply the flea shampoo correctly, there should be very little residue on your dog's coat, but make sure you rinse well after the treatment.
3. Apply common flea and tick medications to your dog's coat. You can use the same medication you use to keep fleas and ticks away from your dog to control a flea infestation. This treatment is more gradual, and therefore more effective if you use it in combination with a fast-acting treatment, such as a flea shampoo.
   • Topical treatments, such as Advantage and flea collars, can help control a flea infestation.
   • Flea collars are only effective for adult fleas. You will also need to treat your dog with a formula that kills flea eggs and young fleas, in case some are left after the wash.
4. Ask for a prescription remedy for persistent infestations. If your dog is attacked by fleas and it causes him a lot of discomfort or if it is difficult to treat for any other reason, make an appointment with the vet. The vet can prescribe medication to get rid of persistent infestations and keep your dog more comfortable during treatment.
   • Always follow the vet's instructions carefully when it comes to applying any medication. Pay close attention to things like the dosage, when to apply it, how often to apply it per day, and for possible side effects.
5. Treat your home right away to prevent fleas from returning. Wash the dog blanket, bed, clothes and cloth toys in the washing machine. Use detergent that is safe for dogs and the “sanitation” setting on your washing machine, if it has one. Disinfect food bowls and plastic toys with hot water and dish soap. To get rid of fleas from the floor or a carpet, put a flea collar in the vacuum cleaner bag and vacuum the areas where your dog spends a lot. Empty the bag regularly.
   • Treating the living environment immediately after a flea infestation will get rid of fleas and eggs that may be left behind.

Part 3 of 3: Preventing flea bites in the future

1. Regularly use remedies that prevent fleas and ticks. You can find these products in tablet form, as a topical or as a collar at most pet stores. Choose a method that works well for your dog, use it regularly. Apply topical agents and tablets according to package or veterinarian instructions. Flea collars should be replaced according to the manufacturer's instructions.
2. Brush with a flea comb. Brushing regularly with a flea comb can help get rid of fleas before they spread. Brush your dog weekly with a flea comb to remove fleas before they lay eggs and create an infestation.
3. Wash your pet's belongings weekly. You help keep fleas away from your pet by washing his bed, blankets, bowls, toys and clothing (such as sweaters) weekly. Use hot water and dog-safe detergent to wash fabrics with the washing machine's "sanitation setting", if it has one. Wash your dog's bowls and plastic toys with hot water and dish soap.
4. Keep your home clean. To keep fleas at bay, you need to keep them out of your home. Vacuum regularly in areas where your dog spends a lot and use flea spray and flea traps in your house. This is especially important if your dog has had a flea infestation before.
   • The right solution for your home depends on your environment. If your dog has been infected with fleas before, you can, for example, opt for a flea bomb to get rid of pests quickly.
   • Flea traps work well as a precaution in a home where the infestation is already under control.
5. Isolate infected pets. Prevent fleas from being passed from one pet to another by keeping infected pets in their own enclosure. For example, you could put a dog with a minor infestation in a room with the door closed to prevent other pets from approaching him. If you have a more serious infestation in your home, it may be good to keep pets that are not infected with a friend or pet hotel until the fleas are controlled.
   • Isolation shouldn't be a punishment. Make sure your dog has access to plenty of food and fresh water, as well as things that make him feel comfortable, such as blankets, his bed, and toys. Spend enough time with him every day. The goal is to keep the fleas from spreading, not to ignore your dog and make your dog feel bad.
   • Always wash your hands and change clothes after spending time with a pet infested with fleas, especially before spending time with other animals.