Signs of Fleas on Dogs

Fleas are a common problem faced by dog owners. Flea infestations can occur rapidly and eliminating these pests from your house can be extremely difficult if you wait too long. If your dog has been scratching lately but you haven't noticed any actual fleas, checking for other signs of flea infestation can help you determine if you need to take immediate action.

  1. Flea Dirt

    • Fleas leave feces, also known as flea dirt, in a dog's coat. Flea dirt shows up as tiny black specks and can be found by running a comb through your dog's fur. The specks will turn a rust color when placed on a paper towel due to the presence of blood in the fleas' waste matter.

    Flea Eggs

    • Fleas lay small, white eggs on their host. The eggs eventually fall off and hatch within one to 10 days on bedding, furniture or carpeting. According to veterinarian Carolynn MacAllister, DVM, of Oklahoma State University, an adult female can lay up to 2,000 eggs during her life span (see references). Unlike adult fleas, larvae will not ingest blood directly from a dog. They live off dried blood, dust and organic matter found in the area where they hatched. Vacuum your house thoroughly to remove flea eggs and prevent further infestation. Some flea control products will destroy eggs, as well as adult fleas.

    Flea Allergy Dermatitis

    • Flea saliva can trigger allergic reactions in some dogs. The discomfort of this condition, known as flea allergy dermatitis, causes dogs to scratch excessively and bite or lick their skin. Check your dog for hair loss, scabs, hot spots and irritated skin if you notice it exhibiting these behaviors. Flea allergy dermatitis can lead to skin infections if left untreated, so it's important to consult your dog's veterinarian as soon as you notice any of these signs.

    Parasitic Anemia

    • According to the ASPCA, "Fleas can consume 15 times their body weight in blood" (see references). Losing large quantities of blood can lead to parasitic anemia, which can be fatal for puppies. Loss of energy, pale gums and a low body temperature indicate that your dog could be suffering from this condition. Your dog's veterinarian will be able to accurately diagnose and treat anemia. A severe case will require a blood transfusion to replenish your dog's blood supply.

    Tapeworms

    • Flea larvae feed on tapeworm eggs. Your dog can become infested with tapeworms by swallowing these fleas when it licks or chews its skin to relieve discomfort. When the tapeworm eggs hatch, the worms will latch on to your dog's intestinal lining and eventually reproduce. If you notice tiny, light-colored specks resembling rice on your dog or around its bedding, you could be seeing tapeworm segments. Although many dogs do not exhibit any outward symptoms of tapeworm infection, some will lick or drag their rear ends across the floor to relieve irritation. Some dogs also vomit if the tapeworms move to the stomach area. If an infestation is diagnosed, your dog's veterinarian will provide a de-worming treatment along with a flea control product.