My dog has black bugs and is licking. Are they fleas? How to treat?

Question

My Dalmatian, collie mix has been licking her stomack and legs more ofter reasently, and spending alot more time outside at night than usual. She comes back in with dirt like spots on her fur that I just brush off than I see bigger black bugs a few on her back hiding in her fur, and than lots more crawling on her stomach, They look to big to be fleas and they seem to bother her. I have found a few on my bed since she sleeps on it with me. Could you tell me what they are and how to get them off. Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed

Dr. Strydom, DVM · Accepted Answer

YEs, this sounds like fleas. You need to treat all the dogs and cats in the household with flea prevention. And you need to treat the house and the outside yard. 1. I would first give all the pets PetArmor Fast Caps. This will kill all the adult fleas on the pets within one hour. However, it only works for 24 hours so after this you will need to apply a topical long-term flea prevention. Be sure to buy the correct product for their weight. https://www.target.com/p/petarmor-fastcaps-for-dogs-25lbs-and-up-6ct/-/A-15211237#lnk=sametab 2. I would recommend using the Pet Armor topical prevention. DO NOT use cheaper products like Hartz. They don't work and are often toxic. You need to apply this topical product EVERY month. Be sure to buy the correct product for their weight. https://www.target.com/p/petarmor-plus-f-t-squeeze-on-23-to-44lbs-3ct/-/A-16931100#lnk=sametab 3. Wait 24 hours after applying the Pet Armour and then bathe with a medicated shampoo. If you bathe too soon after applying the product or bathe before using the product you will wash it off or it won't absorb properly. https://www.amazon.com/SynergyLabs-Veterinary-Formula-Clinical-Medicated/dp/B0037Z6VLC/ref=sr_1_3?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1500935032&sr=1-3&keywords=synergylabs You can buy the shampoo online or often times Walmart carries it. Use it as directed. You can bathe every 3 days or so as needed to help soothe the skin. 4. Next you have to treat the environment - the inside of the house and the yard. http://www.allivet.com/p-1389-knockout-es-area-treatment.aspx http://www.allivet.com/p-1391-virbac-yard-spray-concentrate-16-oz.aspx I hope this helps. Best wishes.

My dog has black bugs and is licking. Are they fleas? How to treat?

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