What it is
An adult flea feeds on the dog's blood and lays eggs, which fall off wherever the dog lies and walks. They hatch into larvae, which hide in dark places, among carpet fibres or in cracks in the floor, and turn into pupae. A young flea waits for warmth and movement to jump onto an animal. In a heated home this cycle runs all year round, not just in summer.
The itch comes from the fleas' saliva. Some dogs develop an allergy to flea saliva, and then even the odd bite sets off strong itching and inflamed skin. While grooming, a dog can swallow a flea and with it a tapeworm larva, which is why a dog with fleas can have tapeworms too. In small puppies a heavy flea burden can cause anaemia.
Checking black specks in the coat is easy: tip some onto damp white paper, and if reddish marks spread around them, they are flea droppings full of digested blood. Fleas pass easily between animals, so talk to your vet about protection for all the pets in the home at once, dogs and cats alike.
Signs you may notice
- Scratches, especially near the base of the tail
- Chews its tail or back
- Black specks in the coat
- Red skin and small scabs
- Thinning coat on the back
- Tapeworm segments in the stool
The dog scratches, licks or chews at its skin, especially along the back near the base of the tail. You may find black specks in the coat, which are flea droppings, and the skin may turn red, get crusty and the coat thin out. Some dogs pass rice-like tapeworm segments in their stool.
When to see a vet
Book a visit if you have found fleas or their droppings, if the dog scratches until its skin is red and crusty, or if you see tapeworm segments in its stool. If a small puppy has fleas and its gums look pale, have it seen promptly.
This is general information, not veterinary advice. For your own dog's health, tests and treatment, see a vet.