What do flea bites look like on a dog's body? - briefly
Flea bites appear as tiny, raised, reddish welts, often grouped on the neck, base of the tail, and abdomen, each showing a central puncture point surrounded by a halo of inflammation. The lesions commonly cause itching and may form a line of small bumps when the dog scratches repeatedly.
What do flea bites look like on a dog's body? - in detail
Flea bites on a canine present as tiny, inflamed spots that are usually 1–3 mm in diameter. The lesions are red or pink when fresh and may turn darker as they age. Each bite often appears as a single puncture surrounded by a halo of erythema; multiple bites can merge into a small cluster of papules. Intense scratching may cause the skin to become raw, leading to crust formation or secondary bacterial infection, which is visible as yellowish discharge or thickened scabs.
Typical characteristics include:
- Localized hair loss around the bite, caused by the dog’s grooming or scratching.
- Raised, firm papules that may develop into pustules if an allergic reaction occurs.
- Swelling of the surrounding tissue, sometimes producing a palpable lump.
- Darkened or bruised appearance after several days, especially on light‑colored fur.
Common sites of infestation are:
- Base of the tail and surrounding caudal region.
- Lower back and lumbar area.
- Inner thighs and groin.
- Neck, especially the ventral side.
- Around the ears and muzzle, where fur is thinner.
In severe allergic responses, the skin can become generalized, with widespread redness, edema, and pustular eruptions beyond the immediate bite locations. Early detection relies on careful inspection of the skin after parting the hair, looking for the described papules, hair loss, and signs of irritation.