How can I see fleas on a dog? - briefly
Inspect the dog’s coat by parting the fur and examining areas such as the neck, tail base, and abdomen for tiny dark moving insects or small black specks; a fine‑toothed flea comb can reveal hidden parasites. A bright light and a white background improve visibility, allowing quick identification of fleas.
How can I see fleas on a dog? - in detail
Detecting fleas on a canine requires systematic visual examination and appropriate tools.
The first indication of infestation includes frequent scratching, bite‑size skin lesions, and the presence of small dark specks on the fur.
A thorough inspection proceeds as follows:
- Use a bright, focused light source to illuminate the coat.
- Part the hair with fingers or a fine‑tooth comb, starting at the head and moving toward the tail.
- Examine common attachment sites: neck, behind the ears, under the belly, around the tail base, and the groin area.
- Look for live insects, which appear as 1–3 mm dark brown or reddish bodies, and for flea feces (tiny black specks resembling pepper).
Specialized equipment enhances detection:
- Flea comb – densely spaced teeth capture adult fleas and eggs.
- Magnifying glass or handheld microscope – enlarges tiny specimens for identification.
- Smartphone macro lens – provides high‑resolution images for close‑up review.
- UV light – highlights flea feces, which fluoresce under ultraviolet illumination.
Verification steps:
- After combing, place captured insects on a white surface and examine under magnification.
- Confirm species by size, shape, and jumping legs.
If fleas are confirmed, initiate immediate treatment of the animal and the environment to prevent reinfestation.