Most dogs and many cats have flea allergy dermatitis, meaning they are allergic to flea bites. Most dogs tend to bite and scratch around their tail base where they have fleas. Cats often spend a lot of time scratching around their heads. Unsure if the scratching is due to fleas? Check your pet's coat regularly to look for any dark specks. Fleas are so small that it may be difficult to distinguish between a community of fleas or dirt leftover from playing outside. The best way to tell is to collect some on a damp paper towel and rub it all around. If the paper has an orange-colored streak, this is an indication of fleas. If fleas are in fact the reason for scratching, it is then necessary to do a home flea treatment. In addition, all dogs and cats in the home must be treated for fleas. Applying a flea preventative every 30 days greatly reduces the likelihood of flea infestation.
Questions about which flea preventative is best for your pet or how to effectively treat your home? Ask us! As your Virginia Beach veterinarian, we welcome your questions. Please feel free to call us at 757-355-5694 for additional information, or stop by and visit us as Birdneck Animal Hospital, 508 N Birdneck Rd., Ste C, Virginia Beach, VA 2345