Dogs and Fleas: Discover the best way to keep your dog and home flea free - and how to spot them

If your pet is scratching more than usual you might have a flea problem.

It’s officially flea season so it’s time to be on your guard.

Warm weather means enjoying the great outdoors with our pets but the heat also means an increase in fleas, causing unwanted pain and irritation to our furry friends.

To help pet-owners tackle these unwanted pets, leading pet healthcare brand, Bob Martin has shared some essential ways to keep pets protected during peak flea season.

Sam Coles, Brand Manager at Bob Martin, said: “I love the warm weather as much as my dog does, unfortunately that warm weather also brings us into peak season for fleas. Fleas thrive in high temperatures, reproducing at a rapid pace, increasing the chance of infecting both your pet and your home.

“Most people know that fleas cause scratching, irritation and redness. However, if untreated, fleas can cause longer-term problems for our pets, including allergic reactions, disease, tapeworms and blood loss.”

 Here’s are Bob Martin’s top tips for keeping pets flea free.

 Prevention is better than cure

Precautionary measures are your first line of defence against fleas.  A flea’s lifecycle continues throughout the year, so by maintaining a pro-active routine you can reduce the chances of infestation.

When you’re out and about, try to limit your pet’s contact with any wild and stray animals to help reduce the risk of exposure. If you suspect your pet has fleas, make sure to separate them from other pets in the household to avoid exposure.

 Regular bathing and grooming of your pet will also help prevent flea infestations.

 The signs in the scratch

Pet-owners should do regular checks to spot the signs of fleas, especially for pets that go outside. The key areas to check are:

• Neck and around the collar
• Groin and belly
• Around the tail
• Back of rear legs

There are some tell-tale signs to look out for if you suspect your pet may have fleas. Scratching is the most obvious, but make sure to check for hair loss, redness and irritation of the skin and of course tiny dark specks in fur.

Flea dirt or poo is often mistaken for dirt or soil from the ground, but when it gets wet, it will turn red. Try running a flea comb against the grain of the hair to find flea dirt or actual fleas on the skin.

Finally, if you have any unaccounted-for insect bites, this could indicate an infestation has started to spread on your pet or even in your home.

Spot on solution

When it comes to flea treatment, pet owners can choose between a tablet or a spot-on solution.

A tablet is best suited to a one-off treatment, with some varieties killing 100% fleas within 24 hours. However, it is important to remember that they do not provide ongoing protection.

Spot-on flea treatment can kill fleas for up to eight weeks, and ticks for up to four, from the first treatment.

To treat, simply apply the solution to the base of the neck and between the shoulder blades. While parting the dog’s coat, squeeze the pipette gently against the skin, avoiding the fur and do not rub into the skin.

Always remember when applying any flea treatment, it’s important to read the instructions on the pack and make check you administer the right dose for your pet and their weight.

Home Invasion

If your pet has fleas, there’s a strong chance it may have spread to your home. After treating your pet, wash all their bedding as well as any other fabric they frequently sit on, including carpets.

Flea repellent sprays can be used on pets and furniture to provide long-term protection. This pesticide-free spray works in a unique way by immobilising the flea or tick, creating a ‘sticky trap’ to works against all stages of the flea lifecycle.

To check if your home is completely flea-free, you can create a flea trap using dish soap. Fill a bowl with a mixture of warm water and dish soap before placing it in your home.

The water and dish soap act as glue, trapping any fleas and helping you confirm whether there are any pests left.