What do fleas look like on Yorkshire Terriers? - briefly
Fleas on Yorkshire Terriers are tiny, dark‑brown insects about 1–3 mm long, often seen as moving specks in the coat or as small black dots on the skin. Their presence is usually indicated by intense scratching, a gritty feeling when petting, and occasional red or irritated patches.
What do fleas look like on Yorkshire Terriers? - in detail
Fleas on Yorkshire Terriers appear as tiny, laterally flattened insects measuring 1–3 mm in length. Their bodies are dark brown to reddish‑black, with a hard exoskeleton that reflects light, giving a slight sheen. The head is concealed beneath the thorax, making identification reliant on overall shape and movement rather than visible facial features.
Typical locations include:
- Base of the tail, where the skin is thin and warm.
- Behind the ears, especially in the fold.
- Neck and shoulder region, where the coat is dense.
- Between the hind legs and under the belly, areas prone to moisture.
Life‑stage characteristics:
- Eggs: microscopic, white, often found in the environment rather than on the dog.
- Larvae: translucent, worm‑like, feed on organic debris, not visible on the pet.
- Pupae: encased in protective cocoons, hidden in the environment.
- Adult fleas: the only stage observable on the animal, moving quickly through the coat.
Signs of infestation include:
- Small, dark specks resembling pepper grains on the fur.
- Itchy scratching, especially around the tail base and ears.
- Red, inflamed skin patches where fleas bite.
- Presence of flea dirt, a fine black speck that turns reddish when moistened.
Effective detection combines visual inspection of the coat, use of a fine‑toothed flea comb, and examination of bedding for eggs and flea dirt. Prompt identification enables targeted treatment and prevention measures.