Your dog is suddenly scratching more often, your cat is restlessly biting its fur, or you see small black dots around the base of its tail. The question quickly arises: are these fleas? Adult fleas are small and move quickly, so you don't always spot them immediately. A fine-toothed flea comb helps to systematically check the coat and find any fleas or flea dirt.
A flea comb is a tool for inspection. The comb does not prevent infestation and does not replace appropriate treatment advice. In this guide, you'll learn how to comb safely, how to assess black specks, and what follow-up steps are advisable if you find anything.
Are fleas only active in the summer?
Fleas are more often associated with warmer months but can occur year-round. Indoors, temperature and humidity often remain favorable enough for various stages of their life cycle. Therefore, year-round checks are sensible, especially if a dog or cat spends a lot of time outdoors, interacts with other animals, or has previously had fleas.
The National Information Centre for Companion Animals explains that the cat flea is mainly found on dogs and cats. The name is therefore misleading: a dog can also have cat fleas.
How to recognize possible fleas on a dog or cat?
Not every animal with fleas shows the same signs. Some animals scratch noticeably, while others show hardly any change in behavior. Possible signs include:
- more frequent scratching, licking, or biting the fur;
- restlessly looking back at the back or hindquarters;
- small black or dark brown dots in the fur;
- small, fast-moving insects between the hairs;
- scabs, redness, bald spots, or damaged skin;
- black specks on the bed, blanket, or favorite resting spot.
These symptoms can also have other causes. Itching, redness, or hair loss alone does not prove the presence of fleas. For skin problems, persistent itching, or doubt, a veterinary assessment is advisable.
What is flea dirt?
Flea excrement, often called flea dirt, resembles fine black specks or ground pepper. It consists, among other things, of digested blood residue. Due to its size, it is easily mistaken for sand or ordinary dirt.
A commonly used check is the wet paper test. Collect some dark specks with the comb and place them on moist white kitchen paper. If a reddish-brown discoloration appears around a speck, this may indicate flea dirt. If the material remains grey or black, it may be ordinary dirt.
The test is an indication and not a complete diagnosis. Moreover, not finding specks or live fleas does not rule out an infestation.
How to use a flea comb step-by-step
1. Choose a quiet spot
Check your pet when it is relaxed. Use a well-lit area and place a white or light-coloured towel under the animal. Dark specks will show up more quickly on it. Make sure you have everything within reach beforehand:
- a fine, clean flea comb;
- white kitchen paper or a white cotton pad;
- a small bowl with water for any found material;
- a towel;
- optionally, a few small treats if your pet is used to them.
Do not force an anxious or tense animal. A short, calm check yields more than a long combing session where your dog or cat tries to get away.
2. Examine the coat with your hands first
Stroke against the direction of hair growth and make small partings in the coat. Look at the skin without pulling hard. Pay particular attention to dark specks and fast-moving brown or black insects.
Carefully check around the lower back and the base of the tail. The belly, groin, neck, and areas where the coat is denser also deserve attention. Work gently on thin, irritated, or damaged skin.
3. Comb in small sections
Place the teeth of the flea comb close to the skin, without applying pressure to the skin. Then comb calmly in the direction of hair growth. Use short strokes and clean the comb on white paper after every few strokes.
For long or dense coats, it is useful to part the hairs in layers with your free hand. A flea comb is very fine and is not intended to pull out large mats. Remove or have mats treated appropriately first, so you don't pull on the skin.
4. Check the comb after each zone
Look between the teeth for black specks, hairs, and possibly a moving insect. Tap the material onto the white paper. For dark specks, perform the wet paper test.
If you see a live flea, make sure it doesn't jump back into the environment. Drop any found material into the bowl of water and place it out of reach of children and pets. Clean the comb thoroughly afterwards and let it dry completely.
5. Stop if your pet shows discomfort
A check should not cause pain. Stop when your pet becomes visibly tense, its skin appears sensitive, or the comb gets stuck. For a very dense, matted, or painful coat, help from a professional groomer or veterinarian may be safer.
What kind of flea comb should you use?
A good flea comb has fine, closely spaced teeth. That small gap helps to remove fine material from the coat. The comb should feel comfortable in the hand, be smoothly finished, and have no sharp or bent teeth.
In the By Cee Cee grooming collection, you can select the Flea Comb variant. This active product is intended for carefully combing through and checking the coat. Use the comb gently and consider it a control tool, not a substitute for appropriate flea treatment.
What if you don't see any fleas?
No fleas in the comb does not automatically mean your pet is flea-free. Adult fleas move quickly, some animals groom a lot, and a large part of the life cycle does not take place on the animal. Eggs, larvae, and pupae can be found in the living environment, for example, around resting places, carpets, and cracks.
If your dog or cat continues to itch, you see skin changes, or you repeatedly find dark specks, contact your vet. They can assess whether fleas are likely and what examination or treatment plan suits your animal.
You've found a flea or flea dirt: what now?
A flea comb can remove adult fleas, but it usually doesn't solve an infestation on its own. Ask your veterinarian or a qualified veterinary professional for advice on a registered product that is suitable for:
- the animal species;
- the body weight;
- the age;
- any existing conditions;
- other pets in the household;
- products already used.
Follow the package insert exactly. Never automatically use the same product for a dog and a cat. Some products intended for dogs can be dangerous for cats. The PDSA specifically warns that products containing permethrin can be highly toxic to cats.
Check all pets
Do you have multiple dogs, cats, or other pets living in your home? Check them all and discuss with the vet whether simultaneous treatment is necessary. For each animal, only use a product that is explicitly approved for that animal species, age, and weight class.
Don't forget the environment
Because different stages of the flea can be found in the environment, simply combing the animal is usually insufficient. Vacuum resting places, rugs, upholstered furniture, and crevices thoroughly. Wash blankets and removable covers according to the washing label and your veterinarian's advice.
Some pest control recommendations mention a high washing temperature. Not every dog bed, cushion, or textile product can withstand this. Therefore, always check the label and, if in doubt, ask for a material-safe approach. Use an environmental spray only according to the instructions and never directly on an animal.
How often should you check with a flea comb?
There is no fixed schedule that is the same for every pet. The appropriate frequency depends on the living environment, the season, contact with other animals, previous infestations, and the veterinarian's prevention advice.
A short, regular check during normal coat care is practical. Check extra when your pet suddenly scratches more, after contact with an animal where fleas have been found, or when you see dark specks in a resting place.Cleaning and storing the flea comb
- Remove all hair and visible material between the teeth.
- Wash the comb with warm water and a small amount of mild dish soap.
- Rinse carefully so no residue remains.
- Dry the comb completely, especially if it has metal parts.
- Store the comb clean and dry, out of reach of children and pets.
Before each use, check that the teeth are not bent or damaged. If an infestation is suspected, it is better not to share the comb with animals from another household without thoroughly cleaning it first.
Common mistakes when checking for fleas
Only looking where your pet scratches
An animal can react in different places. Systematically check the coat and pay extra attention to the lower back, tail base, and other warm, sheltered areas.
Combing too hard or too fast
A fine comb can pull on tangles. Work in small sections, follow the direction of hair growth, and stop if there's resistance.
Thinking one clean comb-through excludes everything
You might miss a flea. Repeat the check for persistent signs and have skin problems assessed.
Using the flea comb as a complete treatment
Combing can help with control and removing what ends up in the comb, but it doesn't address the other stages in the house. Therefore, ask for appropriate advice as soon as you find any signs.
Using a dog product on a cat
This is a significant safety risk. Only use products for the animal species stated on the packaging and leaflet.
When should you call the vet?
Contact the vet if you find a flea or suspected flea dirt and don't know what treatment is suitable. Also, don't wait for:
- severe or persistent itching;
- open wounds, moist spots, or signs of skin infection;
- extensive hair loss;
- a young puppy or kitten with many fleas;
- an old, sick, or weakened animal;
- lethargy, weakness, or noticeably pale gums;
- symptoms that return despite correctly applied treatment.
Tell them which animals live in the house and what products you have already used. If possible, keep the packaging or take a clear photo of the label.
Frequently asked questions about fleas and the flea comb
Can a dog or cat have fleas without scratching much?
Yes. The reaction varies per animal. Some animals show little noticeable behavior, while others react strongly to bites. Regular checks can therefore be useful.
Are black dots always flea dirt?
No. It could also be sand, dander, or other dirt. A reddish-brown discoloration on moist white paper can indicate flea dirt, but consult with the vet if in doubt.
Can I check for fleas with a regular brush?
A regular brush usually has larger gaps between the bristles or hairs. A flea comb is finer and therefore more suitable for collecting small material from the coat.
Can a flea comb remove mats?
The comb is not intended for this purpose. Large mats can painfully pull on the skin and should first be dealt with using a suitable comb, brush, or professional help.
Can I remove fleas by combing alone?
Combing can remove individual adult fleas, but it doesn't address the full life cycle or the environment. If fleas are found, additional advice is needed.
Should I wash the bed if I find a flea?
Clean resting places and wash removable textiles according to the label and treatment advice. Also vacuum the immediate surroundings. Never choose a temperature that could damage the material without checking.
Can fleas bite humans?
Fleas can bite humans but generally do not live permanently on them. For concerning skin complaints, contact a general practitioner or pharmacist.
Is a flea comb also suitable for cats?
Yes, provided the comb is smooth and undamaged, and you work gently. Do not force a cat and stop when the animal becomes tense or its skin is sensitive.
Calm checking, careful action
A flea comb is a simple tool to thoroughly examine your dog's or cat's coat. Work calmly, comb in small sections, and check any found specks on white, moist paper. If you see a flea, suspect flea dirt, or if the itching persists, seek professional advice on treating the animal and its living environment.
This way, you prevent a quick check from leading to hasty product choices and you can act safely based on your pet's species, age, and situation.