If you've ever watched your dog scratch relentlessly and wondered whether it's just a habit or something more, you're not alone. Fleas are one of the most common problems we help customers with here at Feedem Pet Supermarket — and in our 31 years, we've learned that the earlier you spot the signs, the easier the problem is to solve.
The tricky thing with fleas is that by the time your dog is visibly uncomfortable, there's often already an infestation developing in your home. Here's what to look for — and what to do about it.
1. Excessive Scratching, Biting, or Chewing
This is the most obvious sign, but it's worth knowing where to look. Dogs with fleas tend to scratch or bite at specific areas — particularly the base of the tail, the groin, the belly, and behind the ears. These are the spots fleas favour.
The occasional scratch is normal. Persistent, frantic scratching that keeps coming back is not — and it's usually the first thing that brings customers into our Guisborough store looking for answers.
2. Flea Dirt in the Coat
Flea dirt is flea faeces — and it's one of the most reliable ways to confirm your dog has fleas even if you can't spot the fleas themselves.
How to check: Part your dog's fur and look for small black or dark brown specks, similar to ground pepper. Then place some on a damp piece of white tissue. If it turns reddish-brown, that's flea dirt — it contains digested blood.
We always recommend this test to customers who aren't sure. It takes 30 seconds and gives you a definitive answer.
3. Hair Loss or Bald Patches
Repeated scratching and biting leads to hair loss, particularly around the tail base, inner thighs, and belly. Some dogs also develop flea allergy dermatitis (FAD) — an allergic reaction to flea saliva that causes intense itching and skin irritation even from just one or two flea bites.
If your dog has bald patches alongside scratching, don't delay treatment. FAD can escalate quickly and may need veterinary attention alongside flea treatment.
4. Red, Irritated, or Scabby Skin
Fleas don't just cause itching — the repeated scratching breaks the skin, leading to redness, scabbing, and in some cases secondary infections. Look for:
- Red or inflamed patches of skin
- Small scabs or crusting, especially around the neck and back
- Hot spots — areas of moist, irritated skin your dog keeps returning to
If the skin looks sore or infected, we'd always recommend a vet visit alongside starting flea treatment.
5. You Can See Fleas Moving
Adult fleas are small — about 1–2mm — but they're visible to the eye if you know where to look. They're fast movers, so you often catch them as a quick dark speck darting through the fur rather than sitting still.
Where to look: Part the fur against the grain around the belly, groin, and base of the tail. A fine-toothed flea comb over a white surface is one of the most effective ways to catch them — any fleas or flea dirt will fall onto the surface where you can see them clearly.
6. Your Dog Is Restless or Unusually Agitated
Fleas don't just cause physical discomfort — the constant irritation affects behaviour too. Dogs with fleas are often restless, struggle to settle, and may seem generally out of sorts. Combined with any of the other signs above, behavioural changes are a strong indicator that something's going on.
7. You're Getting Bitten Too
Fleas will bite humans — typically around the ankles and lower legs. If you're noticing small, itchy bites on yourself (especially after sitting on the sofa or carpet), there's a good chance fleas have moved from your dog into your home environment.
At this point, treating your dog alone isn't enough. Up to 95% of a flea infestation lives in the environment — in carpets, bedding, and soft furnishings — not on the pet. You'll need to treat both your dog and your home at the same time.
What To Do If Your Dog Has Fleas
Step 1 — Treat your dog immediately
Use a quality spot-on treatment, flea spray, or flea shampoo. Browse our full range of dog flea treatments at Feedem, including trusted brands Frontline, Bob Martin, Beaphar, and Johnson's Veterinary.
Step 2 — Treat your home
Use a household flea spray on carpets, soft furnishings, and anywhere your dog spends time. Wash your dog's bedding at 60°C. Vacuum thoroughly and empty the bag immediately.
Step 3 — Treat regularly going forward
A single treatment won't prevent re-infestation. Year-round preventative treatment is the most effective approach — we see far fewer flea problems from customers who treat consistently rather than reactively.
Not sure which product is right for your dog's size, age, or breed? Pop into our Guisborough store for face-to-face advice, or browse our full dog flea treatment range online.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my dog has fleas or just dry skin?
Dry skin tends to cause general, low-level scratching with visible flaking. Fleas cause intense, localised scratching — particularly around the tail base and groin — often alongside flea dirt in the coat. The damp tissue test for flea dirt is the quickest way to tell the difference.
Can dogs get fleas in winter?
Yes — central heating keeps homes warm enough for fleas to survive and breed year-round in the UK. We recommend treating dogs every month regardless of season.
How long does it take to get rid of fleas?
Treating your dog takes effect quickly, but clearing a home infestation can take 2–3 months as flea eggs hatch in waves. Consistent treatment throughout this period is essential.
Do I need to treat all pets in the house?
Yes — if one pet has fleas, all pets in the household should be treated at the same time, even if they're not showing symptoms.
Shop our full range of dog flea treatments at Feedem Pet Supermarket — including Frontline, Bob Martin, Beaphar, and more. Free UK delivery available on qualifying orders.