How Small Are Fleas on Dogs?

While you may have never noticed fleas before, the first sign of an infestation is usually when your dog starts itching. Fleas are tiny creatures that live and breed rapidly. Flea eggs are white and about the size of a salt crystal. Fleas are very small but can cause extreme itching and scratching. They prefer warm, hidden environments. That’s why you might find them living in carpet, furniture, and cracks in the flooring.

Adult fleas can be about one third of an inch in length. They feed on dried blood and excrement. After they have fed, fleas lay eggs. These eggs are found in soft furnishings and carpets, and the adult flea emerges when it finds a suitable host. Fleas also feed on debris, which provides them with camouflage.

The easiest way to treat fleas is by using a spot-on treatment. These treatments contain a liquid and are applied to the dog’s back. Spot-on treatments are more effective than sprays. Powders are also effective, but they’re messy and need to stay on the coat of your dog to be effective.

Fleas can cause a great deal of itching. Depending on the severity of the infestation, it may even result in hair loss and secondary skin infections. Even one bite can cause excessive scratching and agitation.