HOW TO IDENTIFY DOG FLEAS
Dogs flea are the tiny parasites who survive on dog and cat blood, and sometimes humans too in rare occasions. They have specific mouthparts which they use for piercing the skin and sucking the blood. They are tiny in size which makes their identification a little difficult.
Dog fleas can be found in the fur of the cat and dog and they have a laterally flattened body with hair on it which exists in the fur very convenient. They can be identified by using a white piece of clothing as they are attracted to the color. You can place a white sock near your pet and then after a while, you might find some dog fleas attached to it.
Appearance
Dog fleas cannot fly as they do not have wings but they have a pair of long hindmost legs which helps them in moving easily through the fur of the host. They are 1-2 mm in length and are usually in a dark reddish-brown color. Their round head helps in their distinction from the cat fleas.
Behavior
Just like most of the insects, the life of a dog flea begins as an embryo, which later transforms into larva then it enters the stage of pupa and then it finally emerges as an imago (adult). The whole transformation from an embryo to an adult takes 2 to 3 weeks though it depends largely on the temperature. The female flea can lay up to 4000 eggs in the fur of the host.
Signs
Scratching– This is the most easily recognized sign of a dog flea infestation. When fleas are present in the fur of your pets then their bites can cause severe itching which is why your pet may be found scratching more than the usual amount.
Dog flea bites– You should inspect your pet’s body to identify any red itchy bump as it can be a dog flea bite and you can be sure about the dog flea infestation.
Dog flea dirt– Dog fleas leave their feces or sometimes even their dead bodies can seem to you like tiny particles of dirt.