What do flea bites on animals look like? - briefly
Flea bites manifest as tiny, red or pink punctures, frequently grouped in linear rows or irregular patches, sometimes with a faint surrounding halo. The spots are itchy, prompting the animal to scratch or bite the affected area.
What do flea bites on animals look like? - in detail
Flea bites on mammals appear as small, raised papules typically ranging from 1 mm to 3 mm in diameter. The lesions are red to pink, sometimes surrounded by a faint halo of erythema. In the early stage, the center may be slightly pale due to vasoconstriction, progressing to a darker hue as inflammation develops.
Common locations include the base of the tail, abdomen, groin, and inner thighs. On dogs, bites often cluster along the dorsal midline, while cats show a higher concentration around the neck and head. In livestock, the ventral abdomen and udder are frequent sites.
The skin reaction follows a predictable pattern:
- Initial papule: firm, raised, pruritic.
- Secondary erythema: spreading redness around the papule.
- Excoriation: caused by scratching, leading to crusting or oozing.
- Secondary infection: possible if the animal repeatedly traumatizes the area.
Allergic individuals may develop larger wheals, up to 5 mm, with intense itching and rapid spread beyond the bite site. In severe cases, a papular dermatitis can cover extensive body regions, producing a mottled, patchy appearance.
Differentiation from other ectoparasite bites relies on size and distribution. Tick bites are larger, often solitary, and may present a central punctum. Mosquito bites are more superficial, with a single raised bump and no clustering.
Recognition of these visual cues enables prompt treatment and flea control measures.