Fleas on Dogs & Cats 2025: How to Spot & Get Rid of Them Fast 🐶🐱✨

By Dr. Duncan Houston BVSc

If your pet is scratching, biting their skin, or suddenly acting itchy—fleas might be the culprit. These tiny parasites multiply fast and can make life miserable for both pets and people.

I’m Dr. Duncan Houston, veterinarian and founder of Ask A Vet. Here’s how to tell if your dog or cat has fleas, what to do about them, and how to prevent a full-blown infestation.

🔍 Signs Your Pet Has Fleas

• Scratching, licking, or chewing—especially around the tail base or belly
• Red, irritated skin or scabs
• Hair loss in specific patches
• “Flea dirt” (black specks that turn reddish when wet)
• Visible fleas running through fur (especially behind ears or groin)

🧪 What Is Flea Dirt?

• Flea feces made of digested blood
• Looks like black pepper flakes on fur or bedding
• Turns red when moistened on a white paper towel

🐛 Life Cycle of Fleas

• Adult fleas: Live on your pet and feed on blood
• Eggs: Fall off into the carpet, bedding, or floor
• Larvae & pupae: Develop in the environment and reattach to your pet

Only 5% of fleas are on your pet at any given time—the other 95% are in your home!

💊 Best Flea Treatments for Dogs and Cats

Topical Options

• NexGard Spectra, Revolution Plus, Bravecto, Advocate

Oral Medications

• Simparica, Comfortis, Capstar (fast-acting, short-term)

Flea Collars (Select Brands)

• Seresto – up to 8 months protection for dogs and cats

🧼 Treat the Environment Too

• Wash all bedding, towels, and soft toys in hot water
• Vacuum carpets, floors, and under furniture daily for 1–2 weeks
• Use flea sprays or bombs designed for household use (check pet safety first)
• Don’t forget your car if your pet travels with you

🚫 Natural Remedies – Do They Work?

• Home remedies like vinegar, lemon, or coconut oil may repel fleas—but they don’t eliminate infestations
• They are not a substitute for vet-approved flea control

🐾 Preventing Future Infestations

• Use monthly flea prevention year-round—even in winter
• Treat all pets in the household—even if only one has fleas
• Regularly wash bedding and vacuum high-traffic areas

🔗 Tools from Ask A Vet

• Dual Pocket Dispenser – Carry flea comb, wipes, and poo bags when treating outdoors
• Ask A Vet – Upload photos of flea bites, get dosage guidance, and track treatments

📋 Summary Excerpt

Fleas are tiny pests with a big impact. A vet explains how to spot fleas, treat them effectively, and prevent reinfestation in your pets and home.

❓ FAQs

• Q: Can my indoor-only cat get fleas?
  A: Yes. Fleas can hitchhike on clothing, bags, or other pets. No pet is fully immune.
• Q: How long does it take to get rid of fleas?
  A: It can take several weeks. You must treat both your pet and the environment thoroughly and repeatedly.
• Q: Can fleas make my pet sick?
  A: Yes. Fleas can cause anemia, flea allergy dermatitis, and transmit tapeworms.