Was It Just One Flea?

​A 3-Step Plan for Bulldog Owners

This topic came up during our last  Bulldog Owners Community Call , and it’s an easy one to overlook. Fleas are tiny, quick and opportunistic, but spotting one doesn’t always mean disaster. Still, ignoring that single sighting can turn a small problem into a full-blown infestation.

​Here’s a simple plan to help you tell the difference and act before things escalate.

Step 1: Check if it’s more than a one-off​

Start by giving your Bulldog a quick once-over with a fine flea comb, paying close attention to the base of the tail, rump, groin and neck. Because Bulldogs are short, single-coated dogs, fleas are usually easy to spot if you look closely. If you do find any dark specks, tap them onto a piece of damp white kitchen roll. Flea dirt will “bleed” into a reddish-brown mark because it’s digested blood, whereas ordinary dust or soil will not.
​
If you find flea dirt, you’ll need to treat your dog and the environment on the same day. If not, keep checking daily for the next few days. One flea might just have hopped on and off during a walk—especially if you’ve been near wildlife like hedgehogs, foxes or squirrels—but a pattern of repeated sightings means there’s a problem starting.

Step 2: When to act now and when to wait

If you’ve seen more than one flea in a few days, noticed flea dirt, or your dog is itchy, chewing, or developing scabs, treat immediately. On the other hand, if you’ve only seen a single flea once, there’s no dirt and no itching, it’s reasonable to keep a close eye for 48 to 72 hours before using any treatment.​

Step 3: What really works (and a quick UK update)

Many supermarket or pet shop spot-ons are outdated and hit-and-miss. Modern, vet-authorised products are much more reliable when used correctly for your dog’s weight. However, under new UK guidelines, many vet practices will only supply prescription flea treatments if your dog is a registered patient who’s been seen recently as part of ongoing care. If you’re due a check-up, book ahead rather than waiting until you’re battling fleas at home.
​
If you have more than one dog, treat them all on the same day to prevent what I call “the flea merry-go-round”, where untreated pets re-infect each other.

---

​Don’t forget the environment

​Only a small percentage of fleas live on your dog—the rest are in your home, in the form of eggs, larvae and pupae. Wash bedding, blankets, and soft toys on a hot cycle, vacuum daily for a week (including sofas, skirting boards and the car), and mop hard floors. Use a proper household flea spray that contains an insect growth regulator, applying it to carpets, rugs and under furniture as directed, then air the room well. This breaks the life cycle and stops new fleas from hatching.

​Bulldog-specific tips

Bulldogs are particularly prone to irritation in their skin folds and tail pockets, so check and keep these areas dry and clean. Even a few bites can trigger intense itching in sensitive dogs, so don’t wait to act if you notice scratching or red patches.

In summary: fleas are easy to spot on Bulldogs if you take a few minutes to check regularly. Don’t panic if you see one, but don’t ignore the warning either. Confirm it with the simple wet-tissue test, act quickly when needed, and always include your home in your clean-up plan. If you’d like guidance tailored to your dog and home routine, join us on the next Bulldog Owners Club call, where we’ll continue to share practical, proven advice for keeping your Bulldogs healthy and happy.