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Just found one flea on my dog on preventative. Should I worry?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Hi I often ask about fleas so here's another one. After spotting a single live flea on my dog whose treated with monthly preventives I lost it. I periodically check him with a flea comb, even though he doesn't itch. After finding the flea I throughly checked his fur and didn't find anything besides dandruff. I also vacuumed the floor. Am I in the clear or should I expect a full on infestation? Was it really just one flea?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on March 14th, 2017

I think you are in the clear if you haven't found any further fleas and he's on a monthly preventative. If he had more and you used a flea comb, you likely would have found additional evidence of fleas. Because you didn't, I would not worry :-)

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  • Image profile

    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on March 14th, 2017

    I think you are in the clear if you haven't found any further fleas and he's on a monthly preventative. If he had more and you used a flea comb, you likely would have found additional evidence of fleas. Because you didn't, I would not worry :-) Dandruff is caused by dry skin, and if you bathing him a lot, that can lead to the dry skin. I would give him some vitamin E supplements in with his food, which helps with dry skin.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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