What Are Fleas?
Fleas are tiny wingless insects that feed on dogs, among other animals. Flea bites make some dogs, who are allergic to the flea saliva, so miserable that they bite and scratch themselves raw. Other dogs do not seem to respond to flea bites with the same intensity. No matter. If you see evidence of fleas on your dog, it is essential to eradicate them as quickly as possible, before their population grows. Hungry fleas sometimes bite humans, too, leaving small, red, itchy bumps most commonly observed on the wrists and ankles.
About Ticks
Ticks do not fly, jump, or blow around with the wind. They are small, simple in their approach to locating a host, and very patient. Their purpose in life is to propagate their species. They don't feed often but when they do they can acquire disease agents from one host and pass those disease agents to another host at a later feeding. Their sensory organs are complex and they can detect trace amounts of gases such as carbon dioxide produced by warm blooded animals. They can sense the potential host's presence from long distances and even select their ambush site based upon their ability to identify paths that are well traveled.
How can you tell if your dog has fleas or ticks?
You may actually see the dark fleas, about the size of sesame seeds, scurrying about on the skin. Their favorite haunts include the base of the ears and the rump. Look closely in sparsely haired places like the groin for telltale signs. A more accurate way to diagnose fleas, however, when live ones are not observed, is to part the fur in several places and look for tiny black specks about the size of poppy seeds. These specks are flea feces, composed of digested blood. If you're not sure whether you're looking at "flea dirt" or just plain dirt, place it on a damp piece of white tissue. After a minute or so, a small red spot or halo will become apparent if it's flea feces, since the blood re-hydrates and diffuses into the tissue. As for ticks, they are a lot more visible.
In your environment.
You must understand that just killing fleas and ticks on your dog is not enough to prevent the infestation from repeating itself. The environment must also be treated, as well as any other dogs or cats that live in the household. Also, flea and tick eggs may survive several weeks after live adults have been eliminated. Repeat treatments may be necessary.
Fortunately, in many parts of the United States, freezing weather goes a long way toward putting an end to outside fleas and ticks. In temperate areas, the flea battle may rage year-round. Sometimes it's best to consult a professional exterminator if the infestation in your house is severe.
