How to Spot Fleas on Pets

Inspect your pet's coat. Look for small, dark brown or black insects crawling through your pet's fur. Fleas are typically about 1/8 inch long and have six legs. They are wingless and can jump long distances.

Look for flea dirt. Flea dirt is small, black specks that look like pepper. You may find it on your pet's skin, in their fur, or on their bedding. Flea dirt is actually flea feces, and it contains digested blood.

Check your pet's ears. Fleas love to hide in the ears of pets. Look for small, dark brown or black insects crawling inside your pet's ears.

Look for signs of flea bites. Flea bites can cause your pet to itch and scratch. You may also see small, red bumps on your pet's skin.

If you think your pet has fleas, take them to the vet. Your vet can diagnose a flea infestation and recommend the best treatment.