Have you noticed your dog scratching more than usual? Or frantically biting themselves, especially on the base of their tail? Perhaps you can see evidence of hair loss, or red bumps on the skin on their lower legs.

While this could be the result of an environmental or health condition, it's most likely that your dog has fleas - parasites that live in your pooch's fur and feed on their blood. 🩸

Blood-sucking parasites are always an unwelcome addition to the family, but armed with some knowledge and a targeted treatment plan, you can help your dog find relief from these pests in no time at all.

Keep reading to learn how to identify fleas, get rid of them quickly and prevent their return.

What are fleas?

Fleas are tiny parasites that live on their host, feed on their blood and make life miserable for dogs (and their owners).

The type of flea most likely bothering your dog is Ctenocephalides felis, which is better known as the "cat flea" 😿, although it doesn't limit itself to cats 😼. This pesky insect is happy to latch onto dogs, and even humans in some cases, making it a common nuisance in many households.

Fleas thrive in warm, humid spots, which means they can be active all year round, especially indoors