What do earth fleas look like on dogs? - briefly
They are microscopic, whitish‑gray, oval organisms about 0.2–0.4 mm long that appear as tiny moving specks on the dog’s skin, often surrounded by redness, scabs and hair loss. The infestation causes intense itching and a rough, crusted coat.
What do earth fleas look like on dogs? - in detail
Earth fleas (Tunga penetrans) that infest dogs produce distinctive skin changes. Adult females embed themselves head‑first into the epidermis, causing a raised, dome‑shaped nodule. The nodule measures 2–5 mm in diameter, appears pink to reddish‑brown, and may be surrounded by a thin halo of erythema. The central point often contains a tiny black dot, representing the flea’s posterior opening through which eggs are expelled.
Key visual cues include:
- Location: Predominantly on the pads of the feet, especially the interdigital spaces, and on the dorsal surface of the muzzle. Occasionally observed on the abdomen and inner thighs.
- Surface texture: The nodule feels firm but slightly pliable; the overlying skin may be thin and translucent, allowing the flea’s body to be faintly visible.
- Exudate: Small amounts of serous or serosanguinous fluid may leak from the lesion, especially after the flea has released eggs.
- Secondary changes: Scratching or biting can produce crusted scabs, alopecia, or ulcerated pits around the primary nodule.
The life cycle influences appearance. Immature stages (larvae and nymphs) remain in the environment and are not visible on the host. Only the engorged adult female creates the characteristic bump; male fleas are free‑living and seldom observed on the animal.
Distinguishing earth flea lesions from other ectoparasites:
- Sarcoptic mange: Presents as diffuse erythema, papules, and crusts without the solitary, dome‑shaped nodule.
- Tick attachment: Results in a larger, often irregular swelling with a visible tick body and a clear attachment point.
- Flea allergy dermatitis: Causes generalized itching and papules but lacks the central black punctum.
Recognition of the described morphology enables accurate diagnosis and timely treatment, preventing extensive skin damage and secondary infection.