What do fleas look like on a dog's coat? - briefly
Fleas are tiny dark brown to reddish insects, 1–3 mm long, that dart through the fur, especially around the neck, tail base, and abdomen. Their presence is often indicated by small moving specks and black, pepper‑like droppings.
What do fleas look like on a dog's coat? - in detail
Fleas on a dog present as tiny, dark, wing‑less insects measuring 1–3 mm in length. Their bodies are laterally flattened, enabling them to move easily between hair shafts. The exoskeleton is a glossy, reddish‑brown or black hue that may appear lighter after a blood meal, giving a slightly shiny appearance under light.
Key visual indicators include:
- Moving specks: Fleas dart quickly across the coat, often visible as flickering black dots when the animal is disturbed.
- Flea dirt: Small, dark specks resembling pepper or coffee grounds, actually digested blood, typically found near the base of the tail, neck, and groin.
- Red or pink spots: Minor skin irritation or bite sites appear as tiny, inflamed punctures, sometimes surrounded by a thin ring of redness.
- Hair loss patches: Localized thinning of fur where fleas have fed repeatedly, leaving bare or scaly skin.
The insects cling to hair follicles, especially in warm, moist regions such as the belly, armpits, and behind the ears. When the dog shakes or scratches, fleas may be dislodged and fall onto the floor, where they can be seen as tiny, jumping particles.
Detecting an infestation involves close visual inspection, using a fine‑toothed comb to separate hair and reveal both the insects and the flea dirt. A magnifying glass can aid in confirming the characteristic jumping legs and segmented abdomen of adult fleas.