The health of dogs is threatened by several factors; among these there are certainly parasites, small insects that can nestle in the hair of the coat or insinuate themselves into the body. They represent risk factors for the health of the dog (and sometimes also for humans) as they are a vehicle for infections that can cause various types of disorders and pathologies; many of these are easily treated while others can degenerate causing permanent damage.

Among the most common parasites that attack dogs are fleas; it is, specifically, the Ctenocephalides canis, better known as "dog flea". In this article we see what characteristics it has and the countermeasures to adopt in case of infestation of your dog.

How to recognize dog fleas

The dog flea is a hematophagous parasitic insect, that is, it draws its nourishment from the animal that hosts it. It has extremely small dimensions; which is why it is difficult to identify it with the naked eye, especially if the dog has a long (or particularly dense) coat. If you suspect that your specimen is infested with fleas, you can check for the presence of parasites using a fine-toothed comb; this solution is also a good way to manually eliminate the parasites that have settled on the animal. Another distinctive feature of dog fleas is the ability to cover considerable distances simply by jumping; this is why simple contact with another already infected dog is enough to unleash a new infestation.

Prevent infestation

An important part of the fight against dog flea infestation consists in implementing a series of precautions of a preventive nature. First of all, we must take into account how, unlike what is believed, parasites of this type can attack the dog throughout the year, and not just in coincidence with the hottest periods. Fleas can proliferate in the presence of certain conditions of heat and humidity even within the home environment. Consequently, it is essential to pay the utmost attention to the cleanliness and hygiene of the dog and the places it frequents (the garden, parks and others).

Specifically, sheets, pillows, soft and rigid kennels, mattresses but also upholstered chairs, sofas and armchairs must be washed and sanitized regularly, so as to prevent any proliferation of parasites. The fabric accessories can be treated in the washing machine while rigid kennels and beds must be cleaned periodically with disinfectant products; in this way, the risk that fleas can survive in the house and attack the dog is greatly reduced.