How to tell if a Chihuahua has fleas? - briefly
Inspect the coat for tiny, dark, moving insects and for flea dirt—small black specks that turn reddish when damp—particularly around the neck, tail base, and belly, and note any excessive scratching, redness, or a gritty sensation when running fingers through the fur. These signs together confirm a flea problem in a Chihuahua.
How to tell if a Chihuahua has fleas? - in detail
Fleas on a small breed dog can be identified through a systematic inspection of the animal’s coat, skin, and behavior. Begin by placing the pet on a white surface or a light-colored towel; the contrast makes any moving insects or dark specks more visible. Use a fine-toothed flea comb, drawing it slowly from the neck toward the tail, and watch for live insects that jump when disturbed.
Look for localized redness, especially around the neck, base of the tail, and inner thighs. Small, raised pimples or scabs indicate bite reactions. Excessive scratching, biting at the fur, or a sudden increase in licking suggests irritation caused by parasites. When the dog shakes its head or scratches the ears more than usual, examine the ear canal for tiny black specks that may be flea feces.
Flea dirt—tiny black granules resembling pepper—appears in the fur and on the skin. Collect a sample with a damp cotton swab; if it turns reddish after a few minutes of moisture, it confirms the presence of digested blood. Adult fleas are often seen as small, dark, jumping insects moving quickly through the coat; they may briefly settle on the belly or hindquarters before leaping away.
Inspect the living environment for additional evidence. Look for tiny white eggs on bedding, carpets, or furniture, and check for flea larvae in dark, humid corners. A vacuumed area that yields a faint, sweet odor may indicate an ongoing infestation.
If visual signs are ambiguous, a veterinarian can perform a thorough skin examination, use a microscope to identify flea fragments, or apply a rapid test that detects flea antigens. Professional treatment may involve topical or oral medications, environmental sprays, and thorough cleaning of the pet’s surroundings.
Prompt detection prevents secondary infections, anemia, and the spread of parasites to other animals or humans. When any combination of the described signs appears, initiate treatment and environmental control without delay.