If you have a cat or dog, it’s important to keep your pet and home safe from fleas. While flea infestations are sometimes immediately obvious, sometimes the signs aren’t so clear. Learn some of the most common signs that your dog or cat has fleas so that you can take the proper steps to ensure positive pet health.

Common Signs of Fleas for Dogs & Cats

1. Itching

If your pet is scratching, biting, or licking at its fur, the itching may be caused by fleas. These tiny creatures typically bite your pet’s head, neck, tail, armpits, or groin and leave a substance from their salivary glands that can irritate your dog’s or cat’s skin.

2. Fleas or Flea Dirt

Rub your pet’s fur against the grain to see if you can spot fleas on their skin. They’re thin, reddish-brown, and about one-eighth of an inch long when they’re fully grown. You may also see “flea dirt” — a mix of dried blood and flea waste — which appear as small black clumps.

3. Irritated Skin

Normal flea bites look like small, raised, red bumps on your pet’s skin. However, some dogs and cats are hypersensitive to flea saliva, which can lead to allergic dermatitis. This pet health condition leaves your pet’s skin itchy, red, and scaly.

4. Fur Loss

Another adverse reaction to flea bites is hair loss, usually at the base of the tail, at the neck and shoulder blades, or along the backs of the legs. Your dog or cat may also pull out its own hair by biting and scratching at itchy patches of skin.

5. Pale Gums

If the flea infestation becomes a serious pet health issue, your dog or cat may begin to experience anemia due to blood loss from the insect bites. Pale gums are a sign of anemia and are more common in puppies and kittens.

If you suspect your pet may have a flea infestation, get help fighting the parasites by visiting Hilton Veterinary Hospital in Hilton, NY. This local animal hospital has been serving the Monroe County community for more than 25 years. These veterinarians and vet techs are well-versed in all areas of pet health, including flea treatment and prevention. Make your first appointment today by calling (585) 392-2937 or shop flea medication online.