To see if your pet has fleas, you can always start by searching for flea dirt. This appears as tiny black flecks, or poppy-seed like excrement, that can be found on your pet's skin or on places like your pet's bed. Flea dirt essentially consists of feces from adult fleas, which are profuse in blood sucked from the host or hosts. To properly determine that the specks you find are in fact flea dirt, proceed by wetting them with a drop of water. If these flecks turn red, then your pet most likely has been infected with fleas.

Using a flea comb is another helpful method to check your pet for fleas. Flea combs are available at most pet stores. Run the comb through your pet's fur and if you observe or find either flea dirt or the fleas on the comb, then your pet is infected. If you discover that your pet has fleas, you will need to treat both your pet and your home. Fleas can be eliminated by wiping out the adult fleas and by making their ‘home' as inadequate as possible for the larvae to develop. Washing your pet's bedding thoroughly and frequently will also help to keep fleas under control.

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