Fleas Eggs on Dogs

Fleas Eggs on Dogs

Dogs often suffer from flea infestation which, if not addressed and treated appropriately, can cause serious problems for your doggie. One of the toughest elements of controlling fleas is that they lay eggs on our canine companions. Knowing more about fleas eggs on dogs can help you to control and treat them appropriately.

What are flea eggs?

Flea eggs are a very small, white and oval-shaped egg, around 0.2mm in length. They are laid by adult fleas and adhere to the fur of your pup. The eggs eventually break, to then allow new fleas to emerge and consequently create a much larger infestation.

Why do flea eggs accumulate on a dog’s fur?

The adult female flea will lay eggs on a dog after they have fed on your pup’s blood and can lay at least 20 eggs each day, over a period of several weeks. The eggs that are left in the fur generally stick there until they can hatch and the larvae (baby fleas) can emerge. As the adult fleas hop off to find a different host, the eggs often remain on your pup’s fur. This can be an ongoing cycle, allowing fleas to continue to spread if they are not treated appropriately.

How to identify flea eggs on a dog

• Look for signs of itching – If your pup seems to be scratching or biting at any particular area of his skin more than usual, then this may be a sign of fleas.
• Examine the fur and skin closely – Flea eggs may be difficult to identify on their own, as they do not cause an allergic reaction in dogs. You may need to look closely to determine if there are eggs present.
• Use a fine-toothed comb or brush – Brushing or combing your pup’s fur with a fine-tooth comb can be a helpful way to locate flea eggs.

Treatments for flea eggs on dogs

The first step in dealing with fleas on your pup is to treat your pup with a flea medication. Treating with medication directly kills the fleas, and prevents the eggs from hatching. Additionally, you should vacuum your home and yard regularly. This can help eradicate any flea eggs that have been left behind. If you are still spotting flea eggs, consider speaking to your vet as they may be able to recommend a more effective flea treatment for your furry friend.

Flea infestations can be difficult to address, but taking the necessary steps to treat and remove fleas eggs can help protect your pup from potential harm.

Fleas can be an annoyance to every pet owner, often contained in the household through the hitchhiking of other pets, or brought in from the outdoors. But do you know where the fleas actually begin? Fleas, similar to other bugs, hatch from eggs. Dog owners should be aware of the danger of fleas and eggs present on their canine companion.

Flea eggs are most often found in a dog’s living environment, where they have been deposited by the adult flea after a meal of the blood. The eggs rest on the pet but can survive on carpets, bedding or other surfaces and can easily hatch into flea larvae.

Flea eggs are incredibly small, less than one millimetre in size, and pearly white in colour. They often go unnoticed, as the tiny eggs blend in with their environment and oftentimes dissolve in their saliva. Flea eggs not only remain hidden but are resilient to destruction. Flea eggs can withstand high humidity and low temperatures, chemicals and vacuuming, making it extremely hard to eliminate them.

This is particularly troublesome if your pet has fleas, as the eggs multiply at a rapid rate. The eggs are oval and smooth, making them even harder to detect, and they hatch relatively quickly — in just 6 to 18 days, depending on the warmth of their environment.

For dogs that venture outdoors frequently, it is important to regularly check them for flea eggs as they are highly contagious and often spread among multiple animals. Pet owners should look for signs of fleas and eggs on their dog, such as a bunched-up fur or scattered flecks of white. If you notice these signs, a flea treatment immediately should be administered to your pet. Dog owners should take preventative steps to limit the possibility of fleas and eggs appearing on their dog, installing insect repellents, detaching yard waste piles, and regularly vacuuming dog bedding and other living areas.

Ultimately, fleas and eggs can be a nasty problem for pet owners but can be treated with caution and preventative measures. Keeping your pet safe and healthy should be the top priority so make sure to be vigilant and keep on the lookout for any signs of fleas or eggs on your dog.