Puppies And Fleas (allergy, clean, poop, vet)

[cdcdguy]

I have an 8 week old Springer Spaniel. Beginning yesterday, he seems to be scratching quite a bit. He goes out in the yard to potty and play. I haven't actually seen any fleas. Are they visible? He has an appointment this Friday any way. I haven't been scratching at all. Would they not get on me? What should I do?

[zugor]

I'm not positive but I think that Springers are somewhat prone to skin conditions due to allergies. Those allergies may be to pollen and dust, food and of course flea bites. If you don't already own one buy a flea comb, they are just a couple of dollars.

If you are feeding an inexpensive grocery store brand of food try switching to one of the many high quality foods that you can find at most pet supply stores. Yes, it is more expensive but generally you feed a much lower quantity (and that has an added bonus of less poop to clean up) and the cost is also far less than repeated trips to the vet for treatment.

May you enjoy many wonderful, healthy years with your new pup.

[brokencrayola]

Usually the flea infestation has to get bad before you see them crawling on you. It could be a dermatitis, allergy, or some kind of skin ailment. Fleas are pretty easy to see. Hold your dog on your lap and keep parting its fur down to the skin. Do this all over his body, and if he has fleas you should see them. They are tiny (but you can visibly see them), dark colored, and they can jump.