Adult fleas are typically around 3 mm long at adult size and reddish brown to brown colour, while their eggs (which females can lay up to 40 a day) are around 1 ⁄ 2mm long and white in colour. Here’s how to find them on your pet and what to do.
Does My Dog Have Fleas?
In addition to scratching and hair loss, fleas may be present in your dog if you notice:- Spots or scars
- Redness and irritation due to flea bites
- Thickened skin (for example around the ears)
- Tiny dark specks in their fur (you may also see these move)
- Hair “barbering” (chewed-off, rough patches of fur)
- Changes in coat colour due to repeat licking or chewing
Assess your dog’s skin for any signs of irritation. While there can be many causes of this in dogs, a tell-tale sign of an infested dog can be a bumpy red rash at the base of the tail or around their groin or belly.
You may also see "hot-spots”: ulcerative, moist, often inflamed areas often found around the rear end of your dog including the tail, inner thighs, groin and lower back. Unlike dry skin, which is stationary and white in colour, fleas are dark brown and move around.
How to Check For Fleas
Now that you know the answer to “what do fleas look like on a dog?” it’s important to know how to check for them:- Use a fine-toothed comb to groom your pet’s fur.
- Hold the comb over a light surface such as a white paper towel
- Drop water onto any specks that fall - it turns brown, it’s likely they are fleas.
- Flea dirt (or droppings) tend to be reddish brown in colour (indicating digested blood).
- Eggs can be more difficult to see with the naked eye, but may show up on your dog’s bedding.
Also look out for any unusual insect bites on yourself. Fleas can bite humans - and although they cannot survive on our skin, they can still transmit diseases to humans. If you are concerned about this, contact a healthcare professional for more advice.
Health Risks Of Fleas
Fleas can make dogs (and cats) very unwell, and can lead to secondary skin infections and a range of illnesses, including:- Anaemia (iron deficiency)
- Flea allergy dermatitis
- Bartonella bacteria
Fleas also lead to further infestation by other parasites such as tapeworm larvae, which pets can accidentally eat as they are grooming themselves.
Flea Treatments
If you notice fleas on your pet, always consult your vet, who in addition to checking and treating any secondary skin infection can also advise the most suitable and safe treatment for your pet.Treatments include:
- Injections to prevent flea eggs (sometimes accompanied by a topical ointment)
- Liquids and tablets which kill fleas or sterilize them to prevent them from reproducing.
- Collars: Newer flea collars are now more effective and help to disperse the active ingredient all over rather than just the neck.
- Flea powder: This tends to be an unpopular method due to the potential mess. You also need to be careful to ensure your pet doesn't inhale or swallow any powder.
- Sprays: Another older method of flea treatment that tends to be used less due to the development of spot-on treatments.
- Baths: flea baths can also help prevent the spread of fleas on your pet. You can also find specialist flea treatment shampoos to bathe your dog in - although take your dog’s coat and condition into account, as over-bathing can lead to skin irritation.
When treating your dog for fleas, it’s imperative to treat all other pets in the home as well. Only ever use products designed specifically for the animal you are treating, especially spot-on treatments.
About Spot-On Treatments
Spot-on treatments are one of the most effective and easy ways to treat fleas, however it’s important to be very careful when using them. They involve a chemical dropped on to the back of your dog’s neck where they can’t reach it.Despite this, other pets and small children can still accidentally ingest the treatments, which can make them very unwell (in some animals, particularly cats, it can be fatal). After using spot-on on your dog, keep them away from pets and children for at least 24 hours.
What About Natural Flea treatments?
Some non-vet approved flea treatments include oils such as citronella and eucalyptus. While it may seem as though taking the “natural” route is better for your pet, these are not safety tested in the same way as vet-approved treatments and tend to not be as effective.Not only this, but using essential oils can be harmful to pets, especially when they ingest them. This can happen through the use of oil vaporisers or sprays - but - like spot-on treatments, essential oils can also be ingested accidentally through your pet grooming itself or another pet.
Treating Your Home
You now know the answer to “what do fleas look like on a dog?” - but what about finding them in the home? Fleas can survive away from their host for many months - so if you suspect an infestation and want to get rid of fleas, you’ll need to clean and check your home thoroughly.- Vacuum floors, furniture and skirting boards, [paying close attention to cracks, crevices and corners where fleas can hide.
- After vacuuming, empty the canister or throw away the dust bag after each use to stop any eggs hatching inside.
- Washing any bedding or upholstery
- Clean well as your dog’s bedding and any toys
Fleas also thrive in heat, so if your home has central heating you will need to treat and check your home for fleas year-round. If necessary, you may need to ask for the assistance of a pest control company, who may also be able to advise on pet-safe flea removal products you can use.
Flea Prevention
Here are some steps you can take towards preventing fleas in your home:- Do not let any feral or wild animals in your home.
- Certain products can be used monthly (or less) to either stop fleas from reproducing or halt the flea life cycle.
- Try using a “light trap” - a bowl of soapy water left out near a nightlight, which fleas are drawn to before jumping into the bowl. Take care when doing this so that your pet does not accidentally drink any of the water.
Remember that if you have a flea infestation in your home, it does not necessarily mean that your home is too dirty. Dogs can pick up fleas from a variety of places, and the key way to stop their spread is early and quick intervention.