What Fleas Look Like on a Dog
Knowing what fleas look like on a puppy or dog is important if you’re worried about the possible infestation of these tiny parasites. Fleas not only cause discomfort for your dog, but can also be harmful to his health. They can cause reddened, irritated skin, hair loss, and more. Some fleas can even be transmitted to humans.
Flea bites are often difficult to spot, but you can tell that your dog has fleas if he or she is scratching excessively or licking a certain area. The base of your dog’s tail is a common flea-infestation spot. Look for red flecks on your dog’s fur.
Besides scratching and biting, fleas can also cause your dog’s coat to turn a copper or rust color. Other signs of flea infestation include hair loss, balding, and scabs. If you see any of these symptoms on your dog, it is probably time to visit the vet.
Fleas are small and difficult to see. Adult female fleas lay eggs on animals. Their eggs are small and oval-shaped, but they are too tiny to be seen. The eggs are accompanied by flea larvae, which look like tiny worms. These tiny parasites feed in the blood and tissue of their hosts.
The bites left by fleas are generally red in color and are not visible in most humans. Their red bumps may also be more prominent than other insect bites. They may cause your dog to scratch excessively, causing an itchy and red rash.