What Do Fleas Look Like?

There are several types of fleas. Since this website is about dog health I will lump dog fleas, cat fleas and human fleas together. Cat fleas are the most common and readily make a meal of both dog and human blood.

These 1/16" to 1/8" long insects have three pairs of legs. Their slender tear-drop shape helps them "swim" through our pet's fur. They can be quick, hard to catch and even tougher to crush.

They range from brown to black, can appear striped, are wingless and can jump thirteen feet horizontally and seven feet vertically.

Here's the first of my two pictures of fleas. It answers the question, "What do fleas look like?" And puts the size in perspective doesn't it?

If you or your dog are itching and scratching but you're not seeing fleas - look for flea dirt (flea feces). Flea dirt can be easier to find. Its dark and grainy like sand.

Check your dog's rump. The spot on the back at the base of the tail is a favorite place for flea gathering and pooping. If your dog has long fur, feel down deep for flea dirt. Its very hard and will not crush like soil. Check bedding and kennel. Consider making flea traps.

My Worst Flea Experience

Many years ago, my dog and cats stayed with friends while I went on vacation for two weeks. I flew home late at night and walked in my front door well after midnight.

Even exhausted, it took me less than two minutes to feel the tickling and itching on my legs. I'd never seen anything like it! I had fleas in my house!

I brushed off as many as I could. I RAN and LEAPED onto my bed. I had over 50 flea bites on each leg! I stayed there until the sun came up, alternating dozing and scratching myself raw.

That experience taught me first hand, more than I ever wanted to know about the flea life cycle.

Here's a magnified view.

Now that I've answered what do fleas look like, I wanted to update you. Did you know that those adult fleas that bite you and your dog are only 5% of your flea population? Scary. I thought it might be helpful to share an eBook I found. Kind of an everything you ever wanted to know (or maybe everything you really don't want to know - yuck!) about fleas book. It’s called Flea Secrets. This eBook lists the controls I have on my website plus much more. I rate this a ‘must have’ for all pet owners or any household experiencing flea bites on humans. Check it out at Flea Control Secrets.

I've also learned over time that fleas have everything to do with dog health. The better the food, the healthier the dog and the less chance of ever seeing a flea. I am so grateful I no longer worry about fleas!

If your dog has fleas, here are a few products that should interest you.

Flea Free Food Supplement

Shoo Tag Natural Flea Repellent

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