Signs of infestation

Fleas are masters of their universe. They can hide in a forest of pet hairs, especially on long-coated or double-coated dogs, and can zig-zag among and between hair shafts faster than an Olympic skier on a slalom course.

And then there’s the leap. Now you see a black speck with legs, and now you don’t. They can hop 150 times their own length.

So, don’t depend on seeing the flea to know if he’s there. Instead, look for clues.

If Fido scratches, he may have been bitten, but he may also have dry skin, an allergy, or mange mites.

If he bites at his rear end especially around his tail or the inside or outside of his thighs, fleas are a possibility. If you find tiny black particles that turn red when dropped on a damp paper towel, voila! That is flea feces, the damning evidence that there are fleas in your house. If you’re not sure, drop a bit of water on a suspect black speck.

While your may be slightly bothered by a flea or two, or may play host to a dozen or more without serious consequences, your cat may be the unlucky recipient of a tapeworm infestation courtesy of mama flea if they happen to eat one.

The tapeworm infestation, if left untreated, can lead to malnutrition and even stunted growth in the case of a puppy or kitten.

Your pets may be allergic to flea saliva when bitten, and develop mild to severe skin reactions to even a single bite. The tapeworm or the skin bumps may be the only signs that the fleas are present.