How to check if a puppy has fleas? - briefly
Run a fine-toothed comb through the puppy’s coat, focusing on the neck, tail base, and belly, and look for live insects or dark specks that redden when wetted. Examine the skin for tiny red bumps or signs of persistent scratching.
How to check if a puppy has fleas? - in detail
To determine whether a young dog is infested with fleas, follow a systematic examination.
First, conduct a thorough visual inspection. Part the coat with a flea comb, focusing on the neck, behind the ears, under the belly, near the tail base, and the armpit area. Dark specks that resemble pepper or tiny black dots indicate adult fleas or flea feces. Flea dirt appears as small, reddish‑brown particles; a wet wipe on a white surface will turn reddish if it contains digested blood.
Second, observe the animal’s behavior. Excessive scratching, biting at the skin, or frequent licking of the same spot often signal irritation caused by parasites. Look for small, red, inflamed lesions—typically round and concentrated on the lower back, hind legs, and abdomen.
Third, perform a “white sheet” test. Lay a white towel or paper on the floor, allow the puppy to lie down for several minutes, then examine the fabric for fleas that may have fallen off. This method reveals active movement that is difficult to see on a dark coat.
Fourth, consider a brief bath. Use lukewarm water and a mild, non‑medicated shampoo. After rinsing, inspect the water for live insects or floating debris. This step doubles as a cleaning measure while providing a clear view of any present parasites.
Fifth, employ a flea trap if uncertainty persists. Place a shallow dish of warm water with a few drops of dish soap near the sleeping area; fleas attracted to the heat will jump into the water and become immobilized, confirming their presence.
Finally, seek professional confirmation. A veterinarian can perform a skin scrape or microscopic examination to identify flea eggs, larvae, or pupae, and can recommend appropriate treatment protocols.
By combining visual checks, behavioral cues, simple tests, and veterinary assessment, you can reliably verify whether a puppy is affected by fleas and act promptly to eliminate the infestation.