Another Flea Question

I know there are a ton of discussions on fleas out there, but I can't seem to find an answer for my problem.

I don't know much about dogs, but I know there is something wrong with Tuesday. I think she has a couple of hot spots, but I'm not even sure what those are. There are 2 areas (one on her leg and the other on her lower stomach) that she constantly was biting and licking. She actually created a bald spot on her leg.

The obvious culprit would be fleas...but how do I know they are there. I haven't seen any black dots. Can I treat for fleas if they are not there. Ack.

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Permalink Reply by Bev Levy on October 7, 2009 at 1:16pm

Is she on a good flea preventative? Advantix or Advantage? Fleas can be hard to spot, you should look for the black specks but some dogs are especially reactive and will have a problem even if the flea just visits and drops off. So you won't always see evidence.

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Permalink Reply by C. M. Wood on October 7, 2009 at 1:56pm

No she isn't. I actually never heard of that before. I know I sound ignorant, but she's our first dog. Should I get that for her.

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Permalink Reply by Geri & Sidney on October 7, 2009 at 2:01pm

You get those from the vet, so a good idea would be to schedule a checkup. The vet can tell you if it is fleas or something else. Just don't buy the stuff off the shelf (like Hartz Bio-Spot). It doesn't work and causes big discomfort in many dogs.

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Permalink Reply by Avyon on October 7, 2009 at 2:14pm

The other thing about getting it first from the vet is they'll tell you want kind exactly. A lot of flea items go by weight and other information. They go from one kind as a puppy to another as they get older.

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Permalink Reply by Bev Levy on October 7, 2009 at 3:55pm

I keep mine on Advantix from March to November. It is necessary because Sparty is one of the highly allergic ones. There is a good chance she has them since she isn't on anything. You really can't always see them especially on a black dog. Fleas are all over outside.. mice, moles, other dogs etc. You should have her on heartworm too. It is really important.

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Permalink Reply by Geri & Sidney on October 7, 2009 at 1:40pm

I usually do the belly scan. Roll Tuesday over and look real quick at her skin, especially in the "armpits" or near her tail. They scurry quick so you have to look fast.

SHe may also have an allergy to something other than fleas. Food can sometimes be a culprit; many dogs are allergic to certain foods such as corn. Look at the ingredient list of her food.