Signs Your Dog Has Fleas (And What to Do)

Fleas are one of the most common problems facing dog owners in Nairobi. Whether you live in Westlands, Lavington, or Kilimani, Nairobi's warm climate creates ideal conditions for fleas to thrive year-round. Knowing the signs early protects your dog, your home, and your family.

The Most Common Signs Your Dog Has Fleas

Fleas are tiny — often too small to spot at first glance — but your dog's behaviour and skin will tell you something is wrong long before you see the insects themselves.

1. Excessive Scratching, Biting, or Licking

If your dog is constantly scratching — especially around the base of the tail, belly, neck, or groin — this is the number one indicator of fleas. Flea saliva triggers an allergic reaction in most dogs, causing intense itching. Some dogs are so sensitive they react to a single flea bite.

2. Flea Dirt in the Coat

Run a fine-toothed comb through your dog's fur near the neck and tail base. If you see tiny black specks resembling ground pepper, these may be flea droppings. To confirm: place the specks on a damp white tissue. If they turn reddish-brown, it's flea dirt containing digested blood — a definitive sign of infestation.

3. Hair Loss or Bald Patches

Persistent scratching and chewing leads to hair loss — most commonly above the tail, inner thighs, and belly. In severe cases the skin becomes raw and infected, a condition known as flea allergy dermatitis (FAD), which is very common in Nairobi dogs.

4. Restlessness and Irritability

A flea-infested dog is an uncomfortable dog. You may notice unusual restlessness, inability to settle, or irritability when touched in certain areas.

5. Visible Fleas Moving Through the Fur

In heavy infestations, you may see the fleas themselves — small, fast-moving, brown insects roughly the size of a sesame seed that jump quickly between fur strands.

6. Pale Gums (Anaemia)

In puppies or small dogs with severe infestations, blood loss from flea feeding can cause anaemia. Pale or white gums are a medical emergency — contact Westlands Paws immediately on 0700 762 529.

What to Do If Your Dog Has Fleas

Step 1: Visit Your Vet in Westlands Nairobi

Before using any flea treatment, visit a vet. Our team at Westlands Paws can confirm the diagnosis, rule out other skin conditions, and prescribe the safest treatment for your dog's age and weight. Many over-the-counter products available in Nairobi supermarkets are ineffective or unsafe for certain breeds. See our parasite control service →

Step 2: Treat Your Dog with Prescription Products

Vet-prescribed spot-on treatments, oral tablets, or medicated shampoos work significantly better than supermarket alternatives. A single application kills fleas on your dog within 24–48 hours.

Step 3: Treat Your Home — This Is Critical

Only 5% of a flea population lives on the pet. The other 95% — eggs, larvae, and pupae — lives in your carpets, sofas, and bedding. Vacuum all surfaces thoroughly, wash bedding at 60°C, and use a vet-recommended household spray in every room.

Step 4: Treat All Pets in the Household

If you have multiple pets, treat them all simultaneously — even if only one appears affected. Fleas move freely between animals.

Step 5: Set Up Monthly Prevention

In Nairobi's climate, flea prevention must be monthly and year-round. We offer WhatsApp reminders to help you stay on schedule.

Can Fleas Harm People?

Yes. Fleas bite humans — usually around the ankles — and can transmit tapeworms and bacterial infections. Treating a flea infestation quickly protects your whole household, not just your dog.

If you're seeing any of these signs, book an appointment at Westlands Paws in Westlands Nairobi today.

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