Great Danes and the Fleas that Infest Them

Going out with Great Danes can be a lot of fun. But will you still be happy if you discovered that your Dane gathered and take home few little creatures with him? Flea infestation is one of the common...

Going out with Great Danes can be a lot of fun. But will you still be happy if you discovered that your Dane gathered and take home few little creatures with him? Flea infestation is one of the common problems faced by many dog owners around the world. They measure between one to three mm long and brownish in color. Yes they are small but can cause problems to your giant Great Danes. Once they cling to a dog's body, they suck the blood causing your dog to scratch from here and there which can later lead to rashes or other skin problems. They are indeed the perfect example of the line "small but terrible".

Spotting fleas is not so hard even if they are small. They are brownish-red in color and can be seen scurrying along the surface of the skin. Their dirt looks like dark specks of pepper scattered on the skin. Moving or jumping from host to environment or the other way around is not difficult for them because they have strong back legs that enable them to do so. To spot them quickly, look for them within the furry areas and on your pet's belly and inner thighs.

If you are an owner facing this kind of problem, be delighted because fleas can be eliminated. Try first a flea comb. Flea comb is a tightly forked comb that you should run through your dog's coat regularly. Throw the fleas away or drown them in soapy water once you remove them off your dog. Flea shampoos, sprays and powders are commonly used and available at most pet stores and pet section of grocery stores nearest you. When using a flea shampoo or spray, be careful not to drip any solution in your pet's eyes and mouth. Read product labels carefully to prevent further problems. Controlling fleas can also be done using flea rinses and dips as well as flea collars. Flea collars are impregnated with chemicals that repel fleas but this may not be effective if your dog is infested already.

While there are a lot of flea shampoos, rinses, sprays or flea powders to choose from, good housekeeping is also an important armor in fighting fleas. Infested beds and beddings should be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. Dust and debris accumulated in cracks and crevices as well as carpets should also be cleaned well.

Article Tags: Great Danes