Fleas often show up as itching, scratching, hair loss, scabs, or black specks of flea dirt around the base of the tail, the belly, and the hind legs.
Use a flea comb if you can, and tap the specks onto a wet paper towel. If they turn reddish-brown, that is a strong clue. If you see fleas or flea dirt, treat the pet and the home together.
The practical move is to look for the pattern, not just one symptom. A dog that is suddenly restless, chewing at the skin, or shaking more than usual may be reacting to fleas even before you spot one.
A flea comb for dogs can help you confirm what is going on, but if the itching is severe, the skin looks infected, or you have a puppy or cat at home, it is smart to call the vet.
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