Where Fleas Hide on Dogs

Fleas lay eggs in your dog’s hair, and when the dog moves, the eggs fall to the ground. Over the course of a hundred days, the larvae can lay more than fifty eggs a day, and each one can contaminate your home or yard. If your dog is not protected from fleas, you should keep it indoors.

The best way to determine if your dog has fleas is to examine your dog’s body closely. Look for red bumps or scabs, and look for flea dirt (feces). Flea dirt is similar to coffee grounds, and its reddish color is caused by digested blood. Fleas are most active at night, which is why you’ll find more of their eggs in your pet’s sleeping area.

Fleas prefer warm, moist areas on the skin, including the neck, abdomen, and base of the tail. They have dark bodies and range in size from 1 to three millimeters. If your dog is prone to self-scratching, it’s likely that he or she has fleas. Despite their small size, fleas are easily visible, especially on dogs with light-colored coats.

Fleas are very small and can jump very high. They are reddish-brown in color, and their bodies are flat and dark. Their blood will turn brown once it is rehydrated.