What do fleas look like on a Yorkie? - briefly
Fleas on a Yorkie appear as tiny, dark insects that move quickly across the coat, often visible as small black specks or as minute red bite marks where they feed.
What do fleas look like on a Yorkie? - in detail
Fleas on a small terrier such as a Yorkshire Terrier appear as tiny, wing‑less insects that move quickly through the coat. Adult specimens measure 1.5–3 mm in length, resembling dark specks when stationary. Their bodies are laterally flattened, allowing them to navigate the dense, silky hair without being easily seen. The exoskeleton is a glossy, reddish‑brown to black hue that may appear darker after feeding on blood.
Key visual indicators include:
- Movement: Fleas jump in short, erratic bursts; a sudden, brief “hop” across the fur is a hallmark sign.
- Skin irritation: Red, inflamed patches often appear around the neck, ear base, and under the belly, where the fleas concentrate their feeding.
- Flea dirt: Small, dark granules resembling pepper flakes, actually digested blood, may be found on the skin or in the coat.
- Hair loss: Localized thinning, especially where the pet scratches, can reveal the tiny insects more clearly.
- Visible insects: When the coat is examined closely, the fleas’ hind legs appear as a pair of small, curved “hooks,” and their antennae are short, barely protruding from the head.
To confirm an infestation, part the hair and use a fine‑toothed flea comb; the comb will capture the insects or their debris, providing direct visual evidence of their presence on the Yorkie’s coat.