What are fleas?
Fleas are very small insects. Eight adult fleas would fit within an inch if they were lined up end to end. It's no surprise that they're difficult to see and detect in your home. Adult fleas have reddish-brown bodies that are compressed or flattened when you look closely. Fleas don't have wings, but they can leap really high. Fleas will quickly jump from ground level to surprise your pet with an 8-inch vertical leap.
Signs you may have fleas
- Excessive scratching is perhaps the most obvious sign that your cat or dog has fleas. Dogs and cats are irritated by bites, which is why they scratch or bite the affected areas.
- Hair loss, also known as alopecia, in pets may be a symptom of flea infestation. Any of this is exacerbated by your cat or dog scratching and biting at the bite sites all of the time.
- Small stinging sensations can be caused by flea bites. However, since they bounce around so much, you're unlikely to catch the little critter in the middle of a bite. Consider testing for fleas if you start to find tiny little bumps.
- Examine your pet's gums whether you think he or she has fleas. Fleas put your pets at risk of anemia when they prey on their blood. Anemia is a condition in which your pet's blood has a low number of red blood cells or hemoglobin.
