1. **Excessive Scratching and Grooming**: One of the first signs of fleas is when your dog starts scratching more than usual. This can include biting at their skin or licking their paws excessively.
2. **Red or Irritated Skin**: Look for areas of redness or inflammation on your dog's skin, particularly around the base of the tail, belly, or behind the ears. Fleas can cause allergic reactions leading to dermatitis.
3. **Flea Dirt**: Flea dirt appears as small black specks on your dog's skin or in their fur. This is actually flea feces and can be identified by placing it on a damp paper towel; if it turns red, it's a sign of blood.
4. **Hair Loss**: If your dog is continuously scratching or biting at their skin, it may lead to hair loss in patches. This is especially common in areas where fleas tend to congregate.
5. **Restlessness**: Dogs infested with fleas may become restless or anxious, unable to settle down due to the discomfort caused by the fleas.
6. **Hot Spots**: Fleas can cause hot spots, which are inflamed, infected areas of skin that can be very painful for your dog.
7. **Visible Fleas**: Sometimes, you may actually see fleas jumping in your dog’s fur, especially in areas with little hair, such as the belly or armpits.
8. **Flea Eggs**: You might also find flea eggs, which are tiny, white, and oval-shaped, in your dog’s fur or bedding.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to take action quickly. Consult your veterinarian for appropriate flea treatments and preventive measures to keep your dog comfortable and healthy.
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