If a dog had fleas, would you see them?

Question

What color are they, are they microscopic or can you see them? I know this sounds like a dumb question, but I've lived most of my life at a really high altitude where fleas aren't common.

Answer 1

Depending on the type of flea, the size, shape, & color range. They are small, but visible. They can be black or brown. They do not fly, but jump. However, they can be elusive. If you are concerned that your pet has fleas you are better off looking for flea droppings on your pet. When you spread your pets hair near the tail you will see what looks like small granules of pepper. It may appear black, brown or reddish in color. If you spot this, then your pet has fleas. Advantage or frontline are great products to rid yourself of these pests. They are clean & quick. With Advantage all you need to do is apply it to pet & any fleas on your pet will die in 24hrs & kill the fleas that are in your home (in carpeting bedding etc.) within 48hrs. Fleas must feed at least once every 24 hrs. I hope this helps you.

Answer 2

Most often you will see small reddish brown-black specks these tell you that there are fleas present. Most of the time you will find this evidence or the actual flea at the tailhead area, shoulder area or under the belly down by the genital area. If your dog has fleas you need to get rid of them as quickly as possible and if your dog is an indoor dog you will need to treat your house and the bedding the dog used. I use Adams flea and tick products and they work really well. Another thing you will need to do is make sure that you have your dog's feces checked for worms because where there are fleas there are tape worms.

Answer 3

The best way to see if you or your pet has fleas is to look for "flea dirt." Unless there is a heavy infestation, you may not see an actual flea, but you will see black specks where they have been feeding (and where you or your dog itches). This is especially easy to see on a dog's belly.

If you see a small reddish-black bug moving very fast and jumping high and far, that is a flea. They do not crush easily, so if you catch one, drown it in soapy water or wash it down the drain. If you see one, you have hundreds more hiding in your rugs, furniture, in crevices in the floors, and in your yard.

Natural repellents and insecticides for fleas include Borax, either powder or mixed with water and sprayed on rugs and household linens; also great are Neem oil mixtures you can get to spray yourself and your dog (I don't know if it's safe for cats). During flea season, add Borax with your detergent to everything you put in the washer, and be sure to wash your pillows, sheets, and dog bedding in it too.

Vacuum frequently and throw out the bag or dirt carefully sealed to prevent escape of fleas or hatching flea eggs.

Yards can be sprayed by an exterminator, and you may be able to find one that uses "natural" or quickly biodegradable insecticides.

Answer 4

They aren't microscopic, but they're small; only about this size -
Here's a couple of pics:
http://www.unexco.com/catflea.jpg
http://www.noonco.com/flea/flea_sitting_on_nail02psm.jpg (a silly pic, but shows scale!)

You wouldn't necessarily see fleas if your dog had them, unless you went on a long, thorough search or unless the infestation was really bad. What you're more likely to see are the flea dirts (poos), here's a pic:
http://www.darwinvets.com/images/flea_faeces_hi_res.jpg

If you comb your dog with a flea comb, you'll see the flea dirts on the fur on the comb. Look closely; they're kind of comma shaped. If you comb your dog over wet white paper, any flea dirts will fall on the paper and turn red (they're digested blood after all)

Animals usually scratch a lot when they have fleas, but not always. Likewise, you may or may not scratch if you're bitten, depending on your sensitivity to them. If your dog is sensitive to fleas you'll know about it because he'll be scratching like crazy and will be getting bald spots with inflamed skin beneath.

If your dog does has fleas, treat with a veterinary product, like Frontline - don't bother with pet store products!!

Chalice

Answer 5

Maybe. It depends on how many fleas and type color of dog skin and type of hair. Fleas are very fast critters. It is a whole lot easier to find fleas on a short light colored hair dog then a thick long darked haired dog. When in doubt treat with a collar.

Answer 6

Brush your dogs fur back in the opposite direction it grows and you should be able to see the fleas if there are any. You'll have to look all over your dog's body. Some fleas are black and others have an orangish/brown colored rear abdomen area.

If you see any black "dirt" that is a sign that your dog has fleas, even if you don't find any.

You may want to use Front-line or bathe your dog regularly with medicated shampoo or have him dipped.

Answer 7

Yes, All you have to do is run a comb through their hair around the under belly and backside and you will see them. Get some Frontline flea guard and it will kill all of them. If they get into your house use Borax laundry detergent and sprinkle it all over your floors. Leave it there for about 5 days and then vacume. Use flea bombs at the same time. If your dog dosen't have fleas he may have allergies.

Answer 8

fleas are about the size of an ant. they are black, really ugly and have wings.

their body structure is different so you can tell is that is not an ant.

you can see them better in areas where the fur is not so thick like the belly or around the face, ears and tail, butt areas.

try getting a flea comb and come thru the fur, you will pick some up, or just by the flea med from the vet and get rid of them that way or prevent them from happening.

Answer 9

To upload directly to what "Original" mentioned, although they're one-of-a-kind species, normally cat fleas gets on puppies, and puppy fleas gets on cats. There are even rabbit fleas which exist, but if my bunny had fleas, they were not rabbit fleas in any respect, they had been cat fleas! Sounds complicated, does not it?

Answer 10

a flea is about the seize of a head needle pin. It's black and you can see them. Usually on a very dark animal, it's difficult to see but if your pet is scratching all the time, yes it's probably flees.You will need specialized treatment to get rid of them. If your animal has some, it would be best to see a vet.