What Do Dog Fleas Look Like?
Spotting and identifying dog fleas are the first steps to eliminating them. Here’s what you need to know to minimize and eradicate these pests.
Key takeaways:
Fleas are tiny, brown insects that feed on the blood of mammals.
They are parasites that live outside their hosts’ body.
Flea bites look similar to other insect bites and skin reactions.
There are a lot of things to keep track of to make sure your pup is living their best life. A lot of them are key to their health and safety, and that is especially true when it comes to fleas.
Fleas are tiny parasites that feed on your precious pup by biting and drinking their blood, similar to a mosquito. Fleas will feed on almost any animal, but they love dogs. An infestation can make your pup miserable. It can also spread throughout the house in the carpets, drapes, furniture, and bedding, effectively making the entire household just as unhappy.
The first line of defense against these small-but-mighty terrors is to know your enemy. Let’s dig into what fleas look like, what to know about their bites, and how to recognize an infestation.
The anatomy of a flea
Fleas are brown, parasitic, wingless insects with six legs and a flat body. Despite their wingless structure, they can jump up to 200 times the length of their body using their enlarged hindlegs. These insects are very small (an adult will only grow as large as 0.13 inch), but live outside their host’s body and feed on the blood of mammals.
To the human eye, the minuscule exoskeleton of a flea looks smooth. In reality, it is covered in tiny back-slanted hairs that allow them to crawl swiftly through animals’ coats and anchor them when one scratches at their bites. There are also spiney hairs around a flea’s mouth and head, the size and number of which vary among species. Their mouths are specially adapted to pierce flesh and extract blood with seven basic parts.
Fleas are easy to recognize once you know what they look like. The next step is to distinguish their bites.
The anatomy of a flea bite
A quick look at the part of a flea’s anatomy that does the most damage – its mouth – shows powerful organs tailored for blood feeding. Hidden behind the lips are the labium and labrum which find and hold the food source, while the maxillary laciniae punctures the flesh. The median epipharynx forms a canal for the food to enter the flea’s body.
Blood flows from the host with help from suction organs in the flea’s gut and mouth, and salivary ducts add saliva into the incision to make it flow freer.
A small, round, red bump surrounded by a pinkish halo appears once a flea bites it’s host. A disruption during the feeding, from a sock moving over a host’s ankle or a pup scratching at his rump, can cause a flea to leave the bite site and start over nearby, resulting in several bites in the same area.
Flea bites itch, but the severity depends on the host’s body chemistry. Some feel mild itchiness, but it’s almost unbearable for others. Some are even allergic to flea bites, and will experience hives, rashes, and fever up to 24 hours after being bitten.
It can be challenging to distinguish between flea and other insect bites. Taking note of where the bites are located, the time of day, and how frequently they occur can help determine the cause. Flea bites typically appear on ankles, feet, and lower extremities, for example.
How to identify a flea infestation
If you see one flea, you can be sure there are hundreds more on your dog, in their bedding, and in your home fabrics such as furniture, carpets, and drapes. Identifying an infestation as quickly as possible is critical. Here’s what to look for (and how):
Most pet parents’ first sign of fleas is a scratching, miserable pup. All dogs (and humans) have the occasional itch. Scratching isn’t always evidence of fleas, but if it’s constant and a bath doesn't help much, you’ve probably got a flea problem.
Part the fur of your constantly scratching pup and peer down at the flesh underneath. The dark-colored exoskeleton of adult fleas is easy to see against pale dog flesh. They quickly move out of eyesight, though, so pay attention to what you see.
Even if you don’t see any fleas, the presence of the raised, red bites is indication of an infestation. Patches of lost hair and hotspots are also good indicators of a flea infestation.
Fleas are more than an itchy nuisance. They can cause health issues, including diarrhea, hair loss, and skin infections. Some fleas even carry pathogens that cause diseases in humans. Educating yourself on this dangerous pest and identifying the causes, symptoms, treatment, and prevention of fleas is the first step in protecting your fur family.
How Scenthound helps pet parents stay aware
One of the best ways to keep up to date on your pup’s health is to join our Monthly Care Club. After each routine care and grooming visit you’ll receive Scenthound’s 6-point S.C.E.N.T Check™, it provides an assessment of your dog’s external health including their skin, coat, ears, nails, teeth, and glands. Find your local Scenthound and book a visit today!