An expert has revealed the surprising reason he thinks dog owners should walk around their houses in white socks. Flea season is in full swing in the UK, and it can affect dogs in many uncomfortable ways, including itchy skin that can lead to excessive scratching and open wounds. However, there are a number of signs you can look out for when it comes to checking your dog for fleas. As well as regularly grooming them, you should check to see if there are fleas in your home.
Fleas can enter the house in a number of ways. Perhaps the most well-known flea attractor is dogs, but there are many other ways they can end up in your home and cause pain and discomfort to your beloved pet. James Rhoades, pest expert at ThermoPest, shared his professional advice with dog owners, and it includes a strange trick to check for fleas in your home, especially if you have carpets or rugs in your house.
James revealed that wearing white socks around the house is a great way to see if fleas are there. If you are working to prevent fleas, this trick can let you know if your efforts are paying off.
Fleas will actually jump onto your socks as you move around carpeted areas of the home, and they will be highly visible when they land on the white sock. James explained that fleas are naturally attracted to lighter colours, so this hack is extremely effective.
However, dog owners still need to do their due diligence to ensure that their homes and pets are free from fleas. James advises dog owners to vacuum daily if possible, keep the garden grass short and tidy, groom their pets regularly, and wash all bedding and cushion covers weekly.
There are multiple signs to look out for if you suspect there are fleas in your home. On your dog’s skin, look out for small, red, itchy marks, typically on legs or ankles, that might indicate they are being bitten.
Additionally, you should look out for flea dirt, which appears as tiny black specks (digested blood) on pet bedding, carpets, or furniture. You might also spot jumping pests, which are small, dark insects hopping across floors, furniture, or pets.
If your pet is excessively scratching, it might also be a sign of fleas. When the problem gets bad, it can lead to costly vet bills that could have been avoided.
