What Is This Small, Black, Fast-Moving Bug on My Dog? (2023)

Bugs can be pesky critters. In fact, there might not be anything more disconcerting and gross than finding a small, black, fast-moving bug on your dog. As these bugs make your dog their host, they may soon infest other areas of your house. This is why identification is key to early intervention.

If you find a small, black, fast-moving bug on a dog, you might be wondering what it is, how to get rid of it, and why it chose your pup. It’s good to be concerned since small bugs can transmit zoonotic diseases.

So, what is this small, black, fast-moving bug on my dog?

The small, black, fast-moving bug on your dog could be a flea, a mite, or lice. These pesky bugs can be hard to get rid of, but it’s vital you do, since they can transmit diseases that affect both you and your dog. While annoying to deal with, it’s a common dilemma most pet owners will face in their lifetimes.

Here’s everything you need to know about small, black, fast-moving bugs on dogs.

Before you read this guide, “What Is This Small, Black, Fast-moving Bug on My Dog,” check out: Does Diatomaceous Earth Kill Fleas? (2023) and How to Remove a Tick From a Dog With Vinegar: Step-by-Step Guide! (2023).

Fleas

The first possible small, black, fast-moving bug on your dog could be a flea. Most people and domesticated animals will experience fleas in their lifetime. They are considered blood-feeding parasites. Fleas are known to transmit disease and parasites.

In severe cases of flea infestation, anemia is possible, as one singular flea can take in up to 15 times their own weight in blood.

Tinier than a grain of rice, these parasites don’t fly, but jump. They can jump up to 13 inches, which is 200 times the length of their small bodies. Fleas also have a flexible life cycle, meaning they can survive longer in the winter (given perfect conditions), while having a shorter life cycle in the summer.

While this may seem like good news in terms of extermination, one female flea can lay up to 40 eggs daily. These eggs can survive on their own outdoors or indoors, on virtually any surface.

Once the eggs hatch and the flea becomes an adult, it will search for an animal or human to feed off of. Commonly, fleas feed off of dogs, cats, humans, and woodland creatures. They can also survive without blood for two weeks.

When a flea bites into a human or animal, it secretes saliva into the opening of the skin. This can cause zoonotic allergies in both humans and animals. In severe cases, this can cause infection and scarring.

Additionally, fleas can also transmit diseases like the Bubonic Plague, flea-borne (murine) typhus, cat-scratch disease, and parasites like tapeworms. Given their ability to procreate quickly and carry disease, they’re a common concern for many — and rightfully so.

Mites

There are about three to five million species of mites living on our planet today. Mite infestations can cause mange, scabies, and acariasis. Plenty of dogs fall victim to these annoying bugs yearly, but luckily, can be successfully treated. Mites are one of the leading causes of skin afflictions in dogs worldwide.

Mange is a common, painful skin affliction that affects dogs worldwide. There are three different types of mange: sarcoptic mange (Sarcoptes scabiei), notoedric mange (Notoedres centrifera), and demodectic mange (Demodex). Mange comes in many different forms, and can cause long-term scarring and tissue damage if not treated properly.

Mites are microscopic creatures. They are not visible to the human eye, but the damage they leave behind is. Mites can infest animals, people, and homes. Often, when a dog has mange, it’s best to keep them separated from other animals until they reach a pivotal point in their recovery.

Mange and scabies are considered serious skin afflictions. While not directly life-threatening, they can greatly impact quality of life and require intensive treatment. Mild cases can quickly become severe if not treated properly and immediately.

If you suspect your dog has fallen victim to mite infestation, contact your veterinarian right away.

Lice

We know all about human lice from old wives’ tale treatments. But did you know that dogs can experience lice too? Also known as canine pediculosis, lice live on your dog’s skin and coat and cause an infestation. They’re considered external parasites that chew on skin and suck blood.

This can lead to itching, scratching, general discomfort, irritation, and even infection. In severe cases, anemia is possible.

When left untreated, it can quickly become widespread and affect the entire body. This can cause hair loss, lethargy, dry coat, and matted fur. Additionally, the lice that affects dogs is much different from the lice that affects humans.

It’s common for lice to affect stray dogs or dogs that are living in unsanitary conditions. Typically, regular house dogs don’t get lice, but it’s also possible for them to contract it when out and about.

There are two types of lice that affect dogs: Trichodectes canis and Linognathus setosus. Trichodectes canis chews at the skin of its host. They latch on and chew dead skin cells off as their primary food source. It transmits tapeworms.

Linognathus setosus sucks the blood of its host. They burrow in fur to make themselves comfortable for feeding, making them common in long-haired dogs and colder climates.

Dogs can contract lice through contact with other animals or contaminated objects or surfaces. Places like dog parks, animal shelters, and boarding kennels are common areas of infestation. Dogs that spend a lot of time outdoors are most at risk of contracting lice.

Signs and Symptoms of Bug Bites

Bug bites are uncomfortable for all living things, but especially dogs. While we can apply hydrocortisone cream or take Benadryl at the onset of itchiness, our dogs can’t communicate with us about what they need. They can only scratch and itch. It’s up to us as responsible pet owners to see if our dogs are suffering from bug bites.

At first glance, you probably won’t notice bug bites on your dog, since they can be hidden by fur, hair, or simply the stance of your dog’s body. They’re generally easier to spot on a dog’s underbelly or groin versus the back, neck, or rear.

Here are some signs and symptoms that your dog might be dealing with a bug infestation:

• Itching
• Scratching
• Redness
• Swelling
• Irritation
• Inability to sit still
• Whining
• Spinning

Bug bites are easy to spot with gloves, a flashlight, and a little extra time. Always inspect your dog’s bites with gloves on to avoid touching any open wounds. Plus, it’s best to wear gloves in the event you’re actually dealing with a zoonotic infection, like ringworm.

In severe cases, some dogs may experience anaphylactic shock or infection.

Signs and symptoms of a severe reaction to bug bites include:

• Hives
• Swelling of the eyes or mouth
• Difficulty breathing
• Drooling
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Oozing at bite site
• Bleeding at bite site

How to Safely Remove Bugs on Dogs

Now that we’ve established which small, black, fast-moving bug is on your dog, now it’s time to explore how to remove them safely and effectively.

As always, if you suspect your dog is suffering from an infestation, contact your veterinarian immediately. They’ll be able to provide an effective course of treatment.

Here are our top suggestions for safely removing bugs on dogs.

Bathe Your Dog and All Other Household Pets

Once your dog is infested, every other animal in the house is at risk. Whether you have another dog, a cat, a guinea pig, or a hamster, all animals must be treated diligently and carefully. In addition to keeping their habitats clean and sterile (bedding, cages, crates, toys, etc.), it’s important to bathe them regularly.

Using a veterinarian-recommended shampoo, regularly bathe them until infestation subsides. Certain shampoos contain active ingredients and chemicals that can kill insects and parasites upon contact. Always use your veterinarian’s recommendation, since shampoos that kill fleas might not kill mites, and vice versa.

Wash Bedding and Carpets

As previously mentioned, it’s important to keep each and every pet’s habitat sterile while you treat them for fleas. This means regularly washing bedding, toys, cages, and crates with hot water and laundry detergent or dish soap (depending on what’s being washed).

Ask your veterinarian or a professional exterminator about what’s best to kill bug infestations in your home. They’ll be able to provide surefire ways to kill bugs and parasites to help prevent the spread of further infestation.

Consider Calling Pest Control

If your dog’s infestation is severe, it might be time to call pest control. You can do everything in the world to keep your dog and their belongings clean, but if the infestation has spread to other animals or surfaces, then you’re going to have a hard time getting rid of them.

Pest control, or exterminators, can help rid your home of bugs from the inside out. While this can be expensive, it’s often recommended for widespread infestations. Without proper extermination, the life cycles and procreation will continue.

Calling an exterminator can help eliminate your bug infestation once and for all. In some cases, you may need to leave your house for several days while your house is being cleaned.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion for “What Is This Small, Black, Fast-Moving Bug on My Dog”

It can be easy to overlook fleas and mites on your dog until you notice certain behaviors like scratching or skin irritations, so keep a close eye on your pet. Treating the problem isn’t always straightforward, especially with multiple animals living under the same roof.

Bathing your dog with specially formulated shampoo to treat the infestation is only the beginning — you’ll also need to stop the spread by fully cleaning out any bug-infested areas, too.

If you find this guide, “What Is This Small, Black, Fast-Moving Bug on My Dog,” helpful, check out:

• The 6 Best Flea Brush for Dogs! (2023)
• The Best Puppy Flea Shampoo Reviews in 2023!
• 10 Best Flea Killers For Your Yard! (2023)

Learn more by watching “Natural Homemade Remedies to Get Rid of Fleas & Ticks on Your Dog 🦟 🕷 INSTANTLY” down below: