Signs your dog has fleas can include itching, both for you and your dog. Dog flea prevention is an important part of good canine care. Fleas are blood-sucking insects that feed on dogs, as well as on humans, cats, and other animals. Along with causing your dog discomfort, fleas can carry diseases such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever.

Dog fleas are extremely small, usually only around 1/16th to 1/8th inch. They are wingless insects with dark reddish-brown bodies. Their bodies are hard, making them difficult to crush. They have three pairs of legs, and are excellent jumpers.

The most common and obvious sign your dog has fleas is very frequent scratching. When a dog flea bites, it secretes saliva that causes an itching sensation on the skin. The severity of the itch varies by individual. Other signs your dog has fleas can include hair loss and inflammation, due to the scratching. Some dogs develop secondary skin infections from the bites and scratching.

Examine your dog’s fur closely for signs your dog has fleas. Fleas are very small, so they can be hard to detect. They also prefer dark hiding places, so you may be more likely to see signs your dog has fleas deep within his fur or on his belly and the insides of his legs. Aside from seeing the fleas themselves, seeing “flea dirt” is a sign your dog has fleas. “Flea dirt” is the waste left behind from fleas, and looks a lot like tiny flecks on black pepper on your dog’s skin. Since part of this waste is made up of dried blood, if you place a few flecks of it on a damp paper towel it will likely spread out into a small blood stain after a few minutes. “Flea dirt” is a sure sign your dog has fleas.

Dog fleas go through their life cycle in a span of two weeks to eight months, depending on factors such as species, and surrounding temperature and humidity. Fleas can be worst outdoors in the warm months. Once an infestation has moved indoors, fleas can live all year long. Female dog fleas can lay up to 15 to 20 eggs per day. Signs your dog has fleas that have moved into the house include “flea dirt” and itching by other family members and pets.

Dog fleas feed on the blood of their hosts. They can go up to several months without feeding, but rely on blood to survive and lay eggs. Because they can survive without blood for an extended period, flea infestations can be particularly hard-felt when you return from a vacation. When the family, including the pets, is out of the house for an extended period, the fleas continue to hatch and live. As soon as you return home, the fleas will seek blood meals, which will be felt by the entire family.

The most obvious signs your dog has fleas are scratching and actual sighting of fleas or “flea dirt.” At the first sign your dog has fleas, begin treating the dog, any other pets, and your home immediately.