Bug found on dog? Advice please.

randyravingrhian

Hi there,

I was hoping that somebody might be able to give me some advice please.

My dog was recently in contact with another dog, who we noticed afterwards was scratching a lot. Since then I have found a bug on him, and two on the sofa.

I assumed that they were fleas or mites, but they don't look like that. They are small (about 1mm) and dark coloured - but are longer in shape, especially the bottom bit. They crawl, but don't jump. They don't have wings. When I killed one it was soft and didn't have a hard shell.

My mutt is regularly frontlined, and hasn't had fleas before - so I'm unsure if these are fleas or something else! I've also purchased some Indorex, on a recommendation on another post on this forum.

Are these fleas / mites, or something else? I've tried reading old posts and Googling, but I'm none the wiser. Any suggestions on what these are, or how to deal with them would be much appreciated. Thank you!

minimoneysaver

Have you seen a tick before? Could it be one? Have a look on google and see what you think. Best of luck

randyravingrhian

Hi there,

Thanks for the response....but no definitely not ticks. These are much smaller and differently shaped (longer bodies).

randyravingrhian

http://www.flickr.com/photos/32364571@N07/5973711081/

Sorry...couldn't get in any closer. Hopefully you should be able to see pic of bug.

vax2002

Looks like a louse beetle, is the dog laying outside near hedgerows ?
Often found on pigeons and wild birds
A quick brush through should remove them.

Itsadogslife_2

They look a bit like the thunder bug things that are all over the place at the moment, I went for a walk in the fields earlier in a White top and came back covered in them.

randyravingrhian

Ah...that would make sense. We've got pigeons nesting in a tree, which is very near the open window. I imagine that may be the source of the problem. How interesting....I've never seen any before! I feel guilty for accusing the dog now....lol! Thanks again for your help.