how do i know if my dog has fleas?

Answer 1

Look at their genitals...you will see them running around there.

Answer 2

A trained eye isn't usually needed to spot a heavy flea infestation. You'll probably notice your pet scratching, biting its coat, or showing other signs of discomfort. If you then run a fine metal comb through your pet's coat, you might see them crawling around on the comb afterwards.

Often though, you'll notice symptoms of a flea infestation without being able to find the culprit. That's because pets will groom fleas out of their coats long before you've had a chance to try and find out what's making them itch.

If you're in any doubt, carry out a simple flea check. First sit your cat or dog on a large piece of white paper. Then rub it's back vigorously for a minute or so. As you rub, any flea faeces will fall onto the paper. You may need to hold the animal's tail between its legs in order to prevent it moving whilst you do this. Next pick up the piece of paper, remove any hair, and transfer the 'rubbings' onto the damp cotton wool. Leave to stand for a minute.


Flea faeces are made up of dried blood from the host they have bitten. When dry, they are dark brown flecks that can be easily confused with dirt or dead skin. But once transferred onto the moist cotton wool, they'll dissolve and turn a lighter shade of red. So, if you can now see red spots on the cotton wool, you can be certain that your pet has been in recent contact with fleas. Treatment is required.

Answer 3

Dont assume because your dog is scatching a lot he has fleas that could mean that he has dry skin problems. You could check by looking closesly at his fur just spread it the fur. Also you could get a flea comb and brush to see if they have fleas. Frontline and Advantage are one of the best medicines to protect and repell fleas. Frontline is waterproof and if your treats tick as well but if you are only reating for fleas one vail is good for one in half to two months. keep those in mind even if your dog doesnt have fleas it is a great repellent

Answer 4

Buy a flea comb and run it through your dog's coat. You can find one vey cheap at any pet supply. Some of them have an extra feature of a 'catcher'. The fleas fall into it and can't jump off the comb into your house. Best bet is do it outside, and do it thorougly. Your dog will hold very still for this, if he's got fleas.
He'll love it.

Cave

Answer 5

The first sign is if he is scratching excessively. I would also look closely towards where his fur meets his skin and look for little blakc/brown specs, they are fleas. You can also take a a white cloth and rub it over him. If damp, you might see specs, and even brownish red spots. Flea combs also work well.

I'd get some Frontline and make that a habit every 2 months.

Answer 6

Your dog will do a lot of scratching. If you are suspicious of fleas, stroke it's fur in an upward motion instead of downward motion when petting him/her, so the fur stands up a little. You will then see the little gritters. If you have a short haired dog, the fleas are a lot easier to see. You could use a magnifying glass.

Answer 7

It will scratch a lot, possibly have black/dark gritty bits in its fur(can look like bits of dried dirt) and possibly have a skin rash if it has a flea sensitivity/allergy. Buy frontline for dogs from your vet, supermarket/pet shop products dont work properly. You cant always see the fleas on your pet as they live in your carpets etc a lot of the time. If you can see one then your pet /house will be infested with the critters. Remember to wash & treat your pets bedding & your own soft furnishings when you treat your pet

Answer 8

put a white sheet under your dog and groom it. You'll see any fleas drop onto the sheet. Or check you dogs fur for little black flecks(this is flea poo) put a fleck on a white piece of paper and rub it and it'll smear red if it's flea poo.

If your dog has got fleas, remember to de-flea the whole of your house aswell as your dog as for every flea you find on your dog they'll be about 100 in your carpets and furnishings, they only jump on the dog to feed then they jump off and breed.

Answer 9

Besides monitoring your dog's scratching, check around his ears, genitals, and "armpits" and see if you spot any fleas scurrying around. Give your dog a good brushing on a flat surface, and see if you brush loose any flea dirt (flea poop). You can spot the difference between flea dirt and regular dirt by getting it wet--flea dirt turns into blood when sprayed with water.

Answer 10

hi if your dog has flees it will scratch alot and you will find flea dirt on your furniture and around your home you may also see the fleas little black bugs that jump if you look at your dogs skin you may see little bits of flee dirt there as well best way to see if its flea dirt is to dampen it as flea dirt is just dry blood you will be able to tell hope iv helped and good luck.

Answer 11

If he is scratching and itching all the time. If they dog you can take them to the vet and have them flea dipped, give them a bath with flea and tick shampoo, or give them medicine like frontline or advantage