![]() Tick bites, however, can sometimes develop a “bull’s eye” appearance and are more likely to develop a scab or raised sore compared to the bites of fleas and mosquitoes. Since tick bites also appear as subtle small red lesions, they often have a similar appearance to the reactions created by biting fleas and mosquitoes. Flea bites can occur anytime of the day as opposed to primarily at dusk and even when the outside temperature is cold if the fleas are thriving in your warm home.įinding a tick attached to your dog’s skin is the easiest way to discern a tick bite from a flea bite. However, mosquito bites are usually solitary, can occur anywhere on the body, take longer to resolve than flea bites, and occur in warmer climates. It is not easy to discern a flea bite from that of a mosquito or other insect since most bug bites produce a similar area of localized redness with possible swelling. To check your dog, examine less densely furred areas such as the groin and armpits for signs of small, raised areas of redness associated with a flea bite. ![]() Not all dogs are allergic to flea saliva, so the absence of itchiness does not rule out a flea problem.įlea bites are often inconspicuous on dogs with thick coats. Although dogs can become itchy anywhere on their bodies, the most commonly affected areas include the hind legs, the groin, and the skin on the back between a dog’s ribcage and tail. The basis for a flea bite allergy is actually the flea saliva which enters a dog’s body as a flea takes a blood meal. ![]() It is a common misconception that dogs scratch due to fleas walking on their skin. In these cases, fleas or flea dirt may not be evident at all since the dog’s intense biting, licking and scratching can obscure the evidence that fleas are present. Some dogs are allergic to fleas and will become extremely itchy from the bites of as few as one to two fleas. Rule Out Other Types of Bitesĭetecting fleas or their feces provides a definitive diagnosis, but suspicion of a flea problem can be raised if you observe your dog biting or scratching. Moistened flea dirt will reveal a reddish-rust color on the towel or tissue which represents the pet’s blood ingested by the flea. ![]() You can discern flea dirt from actual dirt by placing the material on a damp white tissue or paper towel. Flea dirt resembles ground pepper and is often mistaken for specks of dirt. Running a fine-toothed flea comb through your pet’s fur will easily pick up pieces of flea dirt as well as adult fleas that are present. Fleas feed on your pet’s blood, accounting for why their deposits contain digested blood.įlea feces are easily visualized on light colored dogs, but it is far more difficult to detect flea dirt on dogs who are dark in color. Instead, flea feces, also known as “flea dirt” are often the tell tale sign. In the early stages of infestation, you might not be able to find adult fleas on your dog. Adult fleas are visible to the naked eye, but they are tiny and move quickly. The crucial first step is to identify whether or not you truly have a flea problem. ![]() Upon discovering a flea problem, immediate action must be taken. Others are disgusted by the fact that these pests are living on furniture, beds, carpets and hardwood floors. Many pet parents become worried that a flea infestation implies poor housekeeping. Learning that your pet has fleas is extremely disconcerting. ![]()
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