Fleas might be to blame if your dog’s scratching more than usual or suddenly seems restless. These tiny pests can hide surprisingly well, making them hard to detect until they’ve made themselves at home.
So, does your dog have fleas? Let’s walk through the signs, how to check, and, most importantly, how to kick fleas to the curb.
First Things First: What Do Skin Fleas on Dogs Look Like?
Fleas are small, reddish-brown insects about the size of a sesame seed. You might not always see them jumping, but their impact shows up fast.
Common signs of skin fleas on dogs include:
- Constant scratching or biting
- Red, irritated skin or tiny scabs
- Flea dirt (looks like black pepper) on the skin or bedding
- Hair loss, especially around the tail, belly, or thighs
How to Know If Your Dog Has Fleas: Common Behaviours
Wondering: “Does my dog have fleas?” It’s not just about itching. Keep an eye out for:
- Head shaking
- Restless sleeping
- Whining or sudden discomfort
- Licking paws or chewing fur obsessively
Some dogs may develop flea allergy dermatitis, making even a single bite miserable. If your pup’s mood or behaviour seems off, it’s worth doing a quick flea check.
How to Check a Dog for Fleas at Home
You don’t need fancy equipment to figure out how to check a dog for fleas. Here’s a simple method you can do right now:
1. Grab a Flea Comb or Fine-Toothed Brush
Brush slowly through the fur, especially near the base of the tail, under the arms, and around the neck. Fleas tend to hide in warm, hard-to-reach spots.
2. Use a White Towel or Paper Towel
Place your dog on a light-coloured surface so you can spot anything that falls out as you brush.
3. Check for Flea Dirt
Flea dirt looks like small black specks. If you place a few on a wet paper towel and they turn reddish-brown, it’s dried blood, an almost sure sign of fleas.
Does My Dog Have Fleas, or Something Else?
Skin irritation can have other causes like allergies, dry skin, or even ticks on dogs. If you’ve checked and still aren’t sure, talk to your vet, they can help rule out other conditions and confirm whether you’re dealing with fleas.
If you suspect an underlying issue, be aware of dog flea disease symptoms.
Tracing Your Pup’s Steps
Even if your pup stays indoors or avoids dog parks, fleas are sneaky. They can jump from grass, other pets, or even hitch a ride on your clothes. Want to understand the full picture? We’ve covered that here: how do dogs get fleas?
How to Get Rid of Skin Fleas on Dogs (And Keep Them Gone)?
Once you’ve confirmed fleas, it’s time to treat both your dog and their environment. Here’s what works:
Topical or Oral Treatments
These are the heavy hitters when it comes to flea control. Many last a full month and stop fleas at every stage. Not sure where to start? Read our advice on the best time to put flea medicine on dogs.
Flea Shampoos and Combs
If you’re seeing live fleas, give your dog a flea bath with a vet-approved shampoo. Follow up with daily combing until the fleas are gone.
Treat Your Home Too
Fleas don’t just live on your dog; they also hang out in your carpet, furniture, and bedding. Wash everything in hot water and vacuum daily for at least a week.
How to Prevent Fleas and Ticks on Dogs Long-Term
Ongoing prevention is key. Fleas reproduce quickly, so skipping just one treatment can start the cycle all over again. We recommend monthly preventatives along with regular checks.
Want the full guide? Check out our tips on how to prevent fleas and ticks on dogs.
Your Dog Deserves to Be Flea-Free
Fleas might be persistent, but they’re no match for a well-informed pet parent. By learning how to know if your dog has fleas, taking action early, and sticking with prevention, you can help your pup stay happy, healthy, and itch-free all year round.
Explore our range of vet-approved flea solutions today, because no dog should have to suffer through endless scratching.
