How to check if a dog has fleas? - briefly
Inspect the coat and skin for tiny dark specks and small red bumps, focusing on the neck, tail base, and belly. Use a fine‑toothed flea comb on damp fur and examine the comb for trapped insects or flea dirt, which looks like minute black particles.
How to check if a dog has fleas? - in detail
Detecting a flea infestation on a canine requires systematic visual inspection, physical examination, and environmental assessment.
Begin with a thorough grooming session. Use a fine‑toothed flea comb, running it through the coat from the head to the tail. Observe the comb for dark specks resembling pepper; these may be adult fleas or flea feces (flea dirt).
Next, inspect the skin, focusing on common hotspots: the base of the tail, belly, groin, armpits, and inner thighs. Part the fur and examine the surface for live insects, tiny black specks, or intense itching marks.
A secondary method involves a white towel test. Place a white towel on the floor and allow the dog to lie on it for several minutes. Fleas will fall onto the fabric, making them easier to spot against the bright background.
Consider the following signs that suggest an active infestation:
- Persistent scratching, biting, or licking of the skin.
- Small, round, dark spots on the fur or skin, often mistaken for dirt.
- Red, inflamed patches or hair loss in localized areas.
- Presence of flea eggs (white, oval) or larvae (tiny, worm‑like) in bedding or carpeting.
Environmental checks are essential. Examine the dog's sleeping area, carpet seams, and upholstery for flea debris. Vacuum regularly and wash bedding in hot water to reduce the population.
If visual confirmation proves difficult, a veterinary professional may perform a skin scrape or apply a flea spray to a small area and observe for rapid movement.
Combining direct observation, behavioral cues, and environmental inspection provides a reliable determination of whether a dog is currently hosting fleas.