Thump, thump, thump. Your dog is scratching. Thump, thump, thump. It happens again. Thump, thump, thump. It must be fleas!
True, fleas are a very common cause of itching in dogs. But fleas also tend to be over-diagnosed by pet parents. The good news is that fleas are easy to recognize, and being able to correctly identify them can help you evict them as soon as possible. Here's how to determine if your dog has fleas, as well as what fleas look like:
A Step-by-Step Guide to Identifying What Fleas Look Like
Fleas are ectoparasites, meaning they live externally on the pet. Other common ectoparasites include ticks and mites. There are five species of fleas that can infect dogs, but the cat flea is actually the most common. Luckily, all flea species are almost identical, so identification by the pet parent is easy.
Step 1: If your dog is itchy, fleas could be the cause. First, part the fur on your dog’s neck and around the base of the tail—these are prime spots for fleas to hang out. Fleas are fast. When threatened, they will bounce off the animal with extreme athleticism, so watch for a tiny black bug darting away. Fleas measure 1.5-4 mm, roughly the size of a sesame seed.
Step 2: Look for “flea dirt.” When fleas defecate, they leave their excrement on your pet. Flea dirt will be around the base of your pet’s hair, and will appear like black or brown dirt. If you take a wet paper towel and wipe the “dirt,” it will turn red, as it is mostly composed of blood.
Step 3: Check your home. As terrible as it may be, fleas love to live in the pet’s home, as well. Typically, fleas in the home only exist in their larvae form. Adult fleas prefer to be on your pet so they can snack at all hours, but it’s still a good idea to check your carpet, bedding and furniture for fleas.
Step 4: If you’re still unsure if your pet has fleas, consult your veterinarian. Expert bug identification is a skill many veterinarians are proud of. They can help determine if your pet has fleas, as well as get rid of the little suckers.