How Can I Tell If My Dog Has Fleas?

Diagnose your flea problem with a close inspection of your dog.

Fleas are annoying pests on your dog and in your home. Fleas can cause your dog to be very uncomfortable or cause your dog to suffer allergic reactions or secondary infections due to scratching. Serious health consequences can also occur if the infestation is severe. Fortunately, there are a few distinct signs to look for when you suspect that fleas are becoming a problem for your dog.

Things You'll Need

• Flea comb
• White paper
• Water

Instructions

1. Observe your dog for increased scratching behind the ear. Watch for your dog to react very quickly to an itch by reaching behind and biting at its rear end above the tail area. Look to see if your dog is scooting its rear end on the ground, or rolling on its back in an attempt to scratch it.

2. Drag a flea comb across your dog's back near the tail, or its hind legs. Part the hair to get a look at the skin. Raise the hair to get a close look between the strands. Look for small black insects moving very quickly.

3. Look for tiny black debris, which looks like pepper or dirt. Collect this debris with the flea comb, then shake it loose on to a piece of white paper that is wet. Observe the specks for 30 seconds. They will turn reddish brown when in contact with the water if it is flea dirt or feces.

Tips & Warnings

• Treat your dog for fleas if you have an infestation or for any flea problem. Purchase topical flea treatment or sprays and fogs from pet stores or veterinary clinics. Flea collars may work somewhat but not for severe infestation. Flea collars may be a skin irritant. Shampoos and ointment may provide temporary relief, but are not a permanent solution.

• Fleas can be a threat to the health of your dog. Loss of blood can occur to a severely infested dog, causing anemia in vulnerable puppies or older dogs. A dog can die from loss of blood. Dogs can have an allergy to flea saliva and scratch themselves raw. Scratching can lead to secondary skin infections. Dogs can swallow flea eggs and develop tapeworms.

References

• The Wag Way: Fleas in Dogs and Cats

Resources

• The Pet Center: Fleas On Dogs and Cats and What You Can Do About Them