Fleas on dogs: what do they look like? - briefly
Dog fleas are tiny, dark brown insects about 1–3 mm long, laterally flattened, with powerful hind legs that enable rapid jumps. They have a hard exoskeleton, no wings, and appear as moving specks in the coat, most often near the tail base and belly.
Fleas on dogs: what do they look like? - in detail
Fleas that infest dogs are tiny, wing‑less insects measuring 1–3 mm in length. Their bodies are laterally flattened, a shape that enables movement through the host’s dense fur. The exoskeleton is a hard, dark brown to reddish‑black shell, often appearing slightly glossy under light. Six legs are present; the hind legs are significantly larger and equipped with strong, bristle‑like spines that allow powerful jumps up to 150 times their body length.
Key visual characteristics:
- Size: 1–3 mm (about the width of a pinhead).
- Color: Dark brown to reddish‑black; may appear lighter after a blood meal.
- Shape: Oval, laterally compressed, resembling a tiny cigar.
- Legs: Four short front legs for walking; enlarged hind legs for jumping.
- Antennae: Short, segmented, hidden beneath the head capsule.
- Mouthparts: Piercing‑sucking stylets used to breach skin and draw blood.
Life‑stage differences affect appearance. Eggs are microscopic, white, and smooth, deposited on the dog’s skin or surrounding environment. Larvae are small, white, C‑shaped, and covered with fine hairs. Pupae develop inside a protective cocoon that may be attached to the host’s coat or hidden in bedding. Adult fleas are the only stage capable of feeding on blood and causing irritation.
Typical locations on the canine host include:
- Base of the tail, where the fur is dense and skin folds create a protected microhabitat.
- Neck and shoulder region, especially under the collar.
- Groin and inner thighs, areas with reduced airflow and higher humidity.
- Abdomen, particularly around the ribcage where hair is thicker.
When observed directly, fleas may be seen moving rapidly in short, erratic bursts. Their bodies remain motionless when not jumping, often clinging to hair shafts with their claws. Under magnification, the segmented abdomen shows clear division into three parts: head, thorax, and abdomen, each separated by thin, flexible membranes.
Understanding these morphological details aids in accurate identification and effective control measures.