How can you determine if a dog has fleas? - briefly
Inspect the dog’s coat and skin for tiny, fast‑moving insects, dark specks of flea feces, or red, irritated spots, and use a fine‑tooth flea comb to capture any specimens. Confirm by placing a collected flea on a white surface; it will appear as a small, jumping, brown‑ish insect.
How can you determine if a dog has fleas? - in detail
Detecting a flea infestation in a dog requires systematic observation and testing. Begin with a visual inspection of the coat and skin. Use a fine-toothed flea comb, running it from the head to the tail in sections. Fleas or flea dirt (tiny black specks) will become trapped in the comb teeth; examine the comb after each pass.
Next, examine the dog’s skin for signs of irritation. Look for small, red, raised bumps or clusters of papules, particularly around the neck, base of the tail, and under the belly. Excessive scratching, biting, or licking of these areas often accompanies an infestation.
If visual clues are inconclusive, perform a flea dirt test. Collect a sample of the dark specks found on the fur and place them on a damp white paper towel. Add a few drops of water; flea feces will dissolve and turn reddish-brown, confirming the presence of flea waste.
Consider the dog’s environment. Check bedding, carpets, and furniture for live fleas or flea dirt. A vacuumed area may reveal small insects or debris.
Finally, assess the dog’s behavior. Persistent restlessness, sudden hair loss, or a sudden increase in grooming can indicate a hidden problem.
A comprehensive approach—comb inspection, skin examination, flea dirt test, environmental survey, and behavioral assessment—provides reliable confirmation of whether a dog is currently harboring fleas.