Why Does My Dog “Flea Bite” Me? [FIND OUT]

The main reason why your dog flea bites you is the presence of fleas on their skin. Other than this when your dog is bored, they tend to a flea bite their owner. Sometimes, it is part of showing affection towards their owner, or maybe they are just trying to groom.

Nibbling is just one of the many ways that dogs interact with people, other pets, or any other things around them. It can be their favorite squeaky toys, a juicy steak, your favorite shirt, or just plain you. The reasons why your furry pal nibbles you include 

  • It is simply to show affection and to demonstrate that they trust you. 
  • If your dog is gently nibbling you with their front teeth, they are, in fact, grooming you. Grooming is a common behavior in dogs. They do it to show affection.
  • Nibbling is also a way for dogs to communicate to you that they want to play. 
  • For puppies, the reasons for nibbling are a little different. Often, their nibbling is a pesky teething behavior. So, nibbling is a way for them to soothe the pain. 

Mouthing is an entirely common thing with dogs. One of the most common behavioral disorders among dogs is flea biting. A dog’s mouth is their natural tool for exploring the world around them. Dogs love to get their front teeth into just about anything. 

dog fleat biting person's hand

Related Reading: Why Your Dog Bites Your Feet While Walking

How can I stop my dog from flea biting me?

The following methods can help you to tackle flea biting.

  • You can comb their fur regularly as it helps to prevent fleas from attracting their fur. Try skin grooming your dog once a week through dry bathing.
  • You should consistently clean the paws of your pal. Use pet-friendly wipes to remove the dirt.
  • Try taking him out for a regular walk and involve him in some physical exercises.
  • Distract him from getting bored and keep him engaged.
  • Examine your dog on a regular basis to check if fleas are present or not.
  • You can also give him a chew toy to distract him from nibbling his fur.

What not to do

Remember that dogs interact with the world through their mouths. So, don’t scold them for being natural adventurers! Simply, divert the nibbling elsewhere if need be! 

  • Don’t pull your hands away: Sudden movements will trigger the dog’s natural prey drive. It will encourage your pup to chase after your fingers. It’s best in these situations to act calmy and wait for your dog to back up. If it doesn’t let go, simply remove yourself from the room.
  • Don’t squish your dog’s face: It’s cute to play with your puppy’s little face but waving with your hands in front of your pup’s mouth will only encourage your dog to bite.
  • Do not yell at your dog: In situations of excitement and play, your dog might start mouthing or biting at your hands. Yelling and shouting at your dog never helps and will only make it confused and scared.
  • Do not hit your dog: Hitting your dog for love bites or mouthing will only make it bite you more during rough play. Punishment is a non-humane correction that the dog doesn’t understand. Pain through punishment will lead to fear and aggression towards you and other people.

What happens if a dog flea bites you?

Dog flea bites are scary and have many common symptoms. If your dog flea bite you, your skin becomes itchy, sore, and can be painful.

After biting, you can have rashes in nearby infected areas or may develop hives. Also, scathing can further damage your skin and cause bacterial infection!

Can I catch fleas from my dog?

Yes, you can easily catch fleas from your dog. and stop the problem if dog flea bites once and for all.

Some common ways to remove fleas are;

  • Distract your dog and engage them in physical and mental activities. In this way, your dog doesn’t get bored and won’t start nibbling its fur.
  • There are several types of flea and tick prevention products on the market. They include topicals, oral tablets, shampoos, and collars. You can use any of them to kill ticks and fleas.
  • When you groom your furry companion, check for ticks, allergies, and rashes. Also, identify any signs of tick bites and infection. 
  • Regular vet visits are a key part of preventive care. Your vet will examine your dog for any signs of tick problems. He will help ensure that the preventive treatments you are using are working effectively.

Wrapping up 

Dogs are the most affectionate and loyal companions that never fail to become a beloved part of the family. Mouthing and flea biting can emerge out of boredom particularly if your dog is mostly doing it to get your attention.

Make sure your dog’s daily physical and mental needs are met. Also, your dog should have access to sufficient exercise.

As caring pet parents, it becomes your foremost responsibility to look after the needs of your dog in the best possible way.

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Stay tuned for more posts on dog care and much more!

stuart and his dog

Family Dog Expert Author

Hi there! I’m Stuart, a devoted dog lover and family dog expert with over a decade of experience working with our furry companions. My passion for dogs drives me to share my knowledge and expertise, helping families build strong, loving bonds with their four-legged friends. When I’m not writing for SirDoggie, you’ll find me hiking, playing with my beautiful dog, or studying music.