What do fleas on a dog look like? - briefly
Fleas are tiny, dark brown insects measuring roughly 1–3 mm in length, laterally flattened, and equipped with strong hind legs that enable rapid jumps through a dog’s coat. They appear as minute specks moving quickly in the fur and often trigger sudden itching.
What do fleas on a dog look like? - in detail
Fleas infesting a canine are tiny, laterally compressed insects measuring approximately 1.5 to 3 mm in length. Their bodies are flattened from side to side, allowing them to move easily through the animal’s fur. The exoskeleton is smooth, glossy, and typically dark brown to reddish‑brown, though it may appear lighter after a blood meal. Each flea possesses long, slender legs equipped with tiny claws that grip hair shafts firmly, enabling rapid jumps of up to 150 mm—far exceeding their body size.
The head is small, with prominent, elongated mouthparts designed for piercing skin and sucking blood. Antennae are short and concealed beneath the head capsule. The abdomen expands noticeably after feeding, becoming distended and sometimes appearing pale or translucent. Flea movement is erratic; they dart quickly, then pause to feed, creating a characteristic “jump‑and‑rest” pattern.
Common locations on the dog include:
- Base of the tail, especially the dorsal surface
- Neck and shoulder region, where hair is dense
- Groin and inner thighs, areas with thin skin and warm blood flow
- Between the pads of the feet, if the animal spends time outdoors
Eggs, larvae, and pupae are not visible on the animal but may be found in the surrounding environment, such as bedding, carpets, and soil. Adult fleas are the only stage that can be observed directly on the host.
Visual identification relies on the combination of size, dark glossy coloration, laterally flattened body, and the presence of jumping legs. A close inspection with a magnifying lens reveals the fine bristles on the legs and the segmented abdomen, confirming the parasite’s identity.