What do fleas and their larvae look like on dogs? - briefly
Adult fleas on a dog are 1–3 mm long, dark brown, wingless insects with a flattened, laterally compressed body that moves quickly through the coat. Their larvae are legless, creamy‑white, C‑shaped grubs about 3–5 mm long, typically hidden in bedding or skin folds rather than visible on the fur.
What do fleas and their larvae look like on dogs? - in detail
Adult fleas on a dog are tiny, laterally flattened insects measuring 1–3 mm in length. Their bodies are dark brown to reddish, with a hardened exoskeleton that reflects light, giving a slightly glossy appearance. The head is concealed beneath the thorax, and the legs are long, adapted for jumping; each leg ends in a claw that grips hair shafts. Fleas move rapidly through the coat, often congregating near the base of the tail, the groin, and the neck, where the skin is thinner and blood flow is abundant. Their movement produces a characteristic “jumping” or “bouncing” sensation that can be felt when the animal scratches.
Flea larvae differ markedly from the adult. They are soft-bodied, pale cream to off‑white, and measure 2–5 mm when fully grown. The body is cylindrical, segmented, and covered with fine hairs (setae) that aid in respiration. Unlike adults, larvae lack legs and do not feed on the host directly; they reside in the dog’s bedding, carpet fibers, or other moist environments where adult fleas have deposited eggs. Larvae feed on organic debris, adult flea feces (which contain partially digested blood), and skin scales. They are most active in darkness and humidity, moving slowly in a serpentine fashion.
Key visual cues for identification:
- Adults: dark brown, laterally compressed, 1–3 mm, visible moving through the fur, especially near tail base and neck.
- Larvae: creamy, legless, 2–5 mm, found in the environment rather than on the animal’s skin, often in carpet or bedding material.
Recognition of these distinct forms enables accurate assessment of infestation severity and informs appropriate treatment strategies.