Black Eggs in a Dog's Fur

If you see small black dots that look like eggs on your dog, Fido's got a pest problem. While parasites lay white eggs, their adult bodies, debris and fecal matter can resemble black eggs. Quick action can help Fido feel better and prevent the problem from worsening.

  1. Potential Pests

    • Lice, ticks and fleas are common pet pests. Adult lice have flat brown bodies and no wings and crawl around the host's body. Adult ticks have eight legs like spiders and attach to the dog, becoming stationary. Adult fleas are quite small, but can be identified by the small black eggs that are actually flea poop. If Fido has fleas or lice, he will be scratching more than usual.

    Significance

    • If a tick has attached to your dog, it's not going to bother you, but can be uncomfortable for Fido. You cannot get the same type of lice as your dog, so you're safe from that threat. However, fleas can jump from your dog to you and can bite you.

    Treating Your Dog

    • Lice and fleas can be treated with shampoos, sprays and other products available from your veterinarian or pet store. Select the dosage range appropriate for your pet's weight and apply the product in the manner prescribed. Use tweezers to gently pull a tick from your pet. Consider saving the pest in a small glass jar, in case your dog becomes sick as a result of the tick infection and you need to show the specimen to your vet.

    Treating Your Home

    • If your pet has lice or fleas, these critters are also in the car, on dog bed, the sofa or anywhere else Fido hangs out. Wage war on pests by laundering all bedding in hot water and vacuuming or steam cleaning furniture. Vacuum floors to suck up flea and lice larvae. Apply an insecticidal spray to counters, baseboards, windowsills and other areas. Clean daily or every other day to reclaim your home from these parasites.