How to check if a Chihuahua has fleas? - briefly
Examine the dog’s fur and skin for tiny, dark moving insects and for small, red bite spots, especially around the neck, tail base, and belly. Comb the coat with a fine-tooth flea comb on a damp area and check the comb for fleas or black specks of flea dirt.
How to check if a Chihuahua has fleas? - in detail
Inspect the coat and skin thoroughly. Use a fine‑toothed flea comb, starting at the neck and moving toward the tail. Separate each hair and look for dark specks (adult fleas) or small, white, oval eggs. After each pass, wipe the comb on a white paper towel; any flecks that turn reddish after a few minutes indicate blood‑filled fleas.
Examine the dog’s body for signs of irritation. Look for red, inflamed patches, especially around the ears, belly, and under the legs. Small, raised bumps (flea allergy dermatitis) often appear as clusters of tiny, itchy papules. Scrape a tiny amount of skin with a sterile blade; if a drop of blood appears, it suggests a hypersensitivity reaction to flea bites.
Observe the animal’s behavior. Frequent scratching, biting at the fur, or excessive licking of the paws can be direct evidence of an infestation. A sudden increase in grooming activity, especially in a normally calm dog, warrants further inspection.
Check the living environment. Flea eggs and larvae fall off the host and accumulate in bedding, carpets, and upholstery. Lift the dog’s blanket and vacuum the area; place a white sheet under a lamp for several hours—any fleas will move toward the light and become visible.
If any of the above indicators are present, confirm the presence of fleas by trapping a specimen. Place a small dish of soapy water near the dog’s resting spot; fleas attracted to the moisture will drown, providing definitive proof.
When an infestation is confirmed, initiate treatment promptly. Use a veterinarian‑approved topical or oral flea medication, following dosage instructions precisely. Wash all bedding and vacuum the home thoroughly, then discard the vacuum bag or clean the container to remove any surviving eggs or larvae. Repeat the environmental cleaning cycle after two weeks to break the flea life cycle.