Fleas on dogs are small, dark brown to reddish-brown insects measuring about 1 to 3 millimetres, which move quickly through the coat and jump when disturbed. They have a flat, elongated body when viewed from the side, no wings and six legs, of which the rear ones are powerful and enable them to jump. If you want to know what fleas look like on dogs, it is precisely the combination of the small size, the dark colour and the quick, jumping movement you should look for when you part the coat right down at the skin.

They are so small that they easily disappear into a dense undercoat, and they prefer to stay away from the light. That is why you rarely spot the flea itself by looking superficially at the back. You have to get into the areas where the skin is warm and easily accessible, and you have to look for something that resembles dark crumbs or a small, shiny creature that suddenly darts to the side.

What a flea looks like up close

An adult flea has a dark, shiny body that is flattened from side to side. That shape makes it efficient at gliding between the hairs, and it is one of the reasons fleas are so difficult to get hold of. The colour typically lies somewhere between reddish-brown and almost black, and the size corresponds roughly to a small sesame seed or a pinhead. If you see an insect of that size jump away from your finger when you part the coat, there is a good chance it is a flea.

The flea has no wings, so it does not fly. On the other hand, it jumps surprisingly far relative to its own size, and it is often this sudden movement you notice first. If you use a fine-toothed flea comb, you can catch adult fleas between the teeth and see them clearly against a light background, for example a piece of white kitchen paper.

Where on the dog you find the fleas

Fleas prefer to stay where the skin is warm, thin and easy to reach. On dogs this usually means the hindquarters, the base of the tail, the groin, the inside of the thighs and the area around the belly. Here the coat is often thinner, and the fleas can move freely close to the skin. The base of the tail is one of the very best places to look, because the fleas gather there, and because many dogs scratch and bite precisely in that area.

Part the coat with your fingers or blow gently so the hairs separate, and look right down to the skin. If you have a long-haired dog with a dense undercoat, it may be necessary to work methodically section by section while the dog lies relaxed. If the skin in these areas is red, irritated or full of small scabs, it may be a sign that the fleas have already been active.

The difference between fleas and flea dirt

Often you do not see the fleas themselves, but rather their droppings. Flea dirt resembles small, dark crumbs or peppercorns and consists of digested blood. The simplest way to tell the difference between flea dirt and ordinary dirt is the wet test: place the dark crumbs on a piece of damp, white paper and press lightly. If it is flea dirt, it dissolves into a reddish-brown ring, because it contains blood. If the crumbs simply stay black, it is probably soil or ordinary grime.

In addition to the adult fleas and the flea dirt, on thorough inspection you may also come across flea eggs, which resemble very small, white grains. However, the eggs easily fall off the coat and end up in the dog's bed, in carpets and in cracks in the floor, so you find them more often in the dog's surroundings than directly on the dog itself. The same applies to the pale, worm-like larvae, which keep hidden in dark crevices. That is why it makes sense to look carefully both on the dog and where it sleeps and spends most of its time.

Itching, biting and other signs of fleas

Even when the fleas are difficult to spot, the dog often clearly shows that something is wrong. Persistent itching, gnawing and biting at the hindquarters, tail and groin are some of the most common signals. Some dogs lick and bite so much that the coat becomes thin in patches, or that the skin becomes red and sore. Small, dark specks in the coat combined with a dog that suddenly scratches more than usual are a good reason to go through the coat with a flea comb.

Be aware that some dogs react more strongly than others. A few dogs can be very sensitive to flea bites and scratch severely, even though there are only a few fleas present. Others may carry quite a few fleas without showing clear signs. That is why the inspection of the coat itself is more reliable than the itching alone when you want to know whether your dog has fleas.

What to do if you find fleas

If you find fleas, flea dirt or eggs on your dog, it is a good idea to contact your vet, who can advise you on the right treatment of both the dog and the home. Fleas reproduce quickly, and the majority of eggs and larvae are in the surroundings rather than on the dog, so a thorough effort in beds, carpets and cracks is just as important as the treatment of the dog itself. In the event of severe itching, wounds in the skin or other symptoms you are unsure about, the assessment should always rest with the vet.

A dog in good condition with a healthy, dense coat is easier to keep an eye on, and well-cared-for skin makes it easier to spot changes early. At ESSENTIAL FOODS, every recipe is prepared from human-grade ingredients and fresh produce that support the dog's general well-being, and balanced nutrition contributes to a coat where you more quickly notice if something is different. If you want to give the skin and coat extra attention, you can take a closer look at our daily supplements, where THE OMEGA 3 OIL 500ML is a natural addition to the daily meals. If your dog has sensitive skin or a tendency to scratch, you can also find inspiration among our dog treats with a focus on the coat's well-being.

If you are unsure how feeding best supports your dog's skin and coat, ESSENTIAL FOODS' nutrition advisers are ready by phone, chat or email to help you find the right combination of meals for your particular dog. They advise on feeding, food and nutrition, while questions about the flea infestation itself and the dog's health belong with the vet. With the right overview of what fleas look like and where you find them, you can react quickly and give your dog a safe and well-cared-for everyday life.