How Fleas Look on a Dog
WouterIf your dog has fleas, it can be hard to spot them on the surface. Fleas are small, flat insects about an eighth of an inch in length and can move very quickly. If you are having trouble seeing them, use a magnifying glass. If you find them, they are likely to have hundreds of juvenile fleas around them.
Flea dirt will fall to the floor and bedding of your dog. This dirt can turn red if it gets wet. If your dog is suffering from fleas, they will make your dog very uncomfortable. Fleas can spread various diseases, and the longer a flea infestation lasts, the worse it is.
Fleas live in two types of dirt. Flea dirt has blood traces in it, while regular dirt is black or brown. Flea eggs are clear ovals and are laid in clusters of 20. Fleas lay eggs in a dog’s fur.
The first sign of a flea infestation is persistent scratching. Itchy skin and hair loss are other symptoms of fleas. Some dogs even develop bald patches on their skin. Regular grooming will not prevent fleas from getting on your dog, but it will help you detect fleas before they are too late.
Once you have found the fleas, the next step is to wash the bedding and personal items used by your dog. Regular washing and vacuuming will reduce the number of developing fleas in your home. It’s also important to wash your car’s interior, as this is an excellent place for fleas to develop.
