What do dog fleas look like? - briefly
Dog fleas are tiny, wingless insects measuring roughly 1–3 mm in length, with a dark brown, flattened body and elongated hind legs designed for powerful jumps. They appear as moving specks or as small dark dots after feeding, easily seen moving through a dog’s coat.
What do dog fleas look like? - in detail
Dog fleas are tiny, laterally flattened insects measuring approximately 1 mm to 3 mm in length when fully engorged. Their bodies are composed of three distinct regions: head, thorax, and abdomen, each covered by a hard, chitinous exoskeleton that gives a smooth, glossy appearance.
Key visual characteristics:
- Color: Ranges from reddish‑brown to dark brown; after a blood meal the abdomen becomes noticeably darker and more opaque.
- Shape: Oval, wingless, and laterally compressed, allowing movement through the animal’s fur. The head is small, equipped with powerful chewing mouthparts.
- Legs: Six long, slender legs end in small claws that grasp hair shafts. The hind legs are slightly longer, facilitating rapid jumping.
- Eyes: Small, compound eyes are present on the head, giving a faint sheen under light.
- Antennae: Short, segmented antennae are located just behind the eyes, used for detecting vibrations and chemical cues.
Life‑stage differences:
- Eggs: White, oval, about 0.5 mm long, often hidden in the host’s coat or the surrounding environment.
- Larvae: Blind, worm‑like, 2–5 mm long, cream‑colored with a brown head capsule; lack the flattened body of adults.
- Pupae: Encased in a silken cocoon, darkened by environmental debris; immobile but can sense host vibrations.
When feeding, an adult’s abdomen expands, giving a plump, balloon‑like look. After detaching, the flea quickly contracts, returning to its slender profile. These physical traits enable rapid movement, efficient attachment to fur, and effective blood extraction from dogs.