How to Tell if Your Pet Has Fleas

Dec 18 2024, 21:17

FIRST OF ALL, WHAT IS A FLEA?

A flea is a parasitic insect that feeds on blood to survive and reproduce. A female flea lays an average of 30 to 50 eggs per day! Fleas are wingless and smaller than a sesame seed. Thanks to their long hind legs, they can make impressive jumps. Their small size and speed make them challenging to spot on your pet. In addition to feeding on blood, fleas can transmit certain diseases and worms to infected animals.

DOES MY PET AUTOMATICALLY SCRATCH IF IT HAS FLEAS?

Surprisingly, the answer is no! Not all animals feel irritation—some show no reaction at all. In other cases, flea bites can cause varying degrees of reactions, ranging from mild irritation to severe itching, redness, hair loss, and even an allergic reaction to flea saliva (flea allergy dermatitis). In severe infestations, small or young animals can even develop anemia (a low red blood cell count).

SO, HOW CAN I TELL IF MY PET HAS FLEAS?

Remember, it's rare to see live fleas on your pet because they’re like “Speedy Gonzales” from Looney Tunes—fast and elusive. What might tip you off is the presence of curious little black debris shaped like commas or spirals in your pet's fur. These tiny specks are flea droppings.

Here’s a trick to identify them:

  1. Place a white sheet of paper under your pet.
  2. Pet them thoroughly in all directions so debris from their fur falls onto the paper. This will include fur, dead skin, dust, etc.
  3. Look for a dark speck on the paper. Dip your finger in water, touch the speck, and smear it on the paper (see video).

If the streak appears red or reddish-brown, it’s a sign that your pet has flea droppings.

WHAT TO DO NEXT?

Don’t panic—we’re here to help! Call us, and we’ll assist you in finding the right treatment for your pet and any other furry companions at home. Unfortunately, fleas are highly contagious between dogs and cats due to their ability to jump from one host to another and their life cycle, which allows them to survive in your home and environment for a period of time.