Fleas are parasitic pests that can make your dog’s life miserable with the constant need to scratch itchy flea bites, which can then lead to inflammation and infection. Preventing an infestation or getting rid of these tiny —less than 1/8-inch long — dark brown terrors takes diligence and attention to detail.

1. Look for tiny black or brown irregular
pieces of dirt. This may actually be
flea dirt which consists of dried blood
and flea excrement.
Does Your Dog Have Fleas?Fleas?
Source www.dummies.com/how-to/content/how-to-check-your-dog-for-fleas.html
ULTRA GUARD
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Fleas can’t survive in freezing temperatures,
so winter naturally decreases the flea population.
In colder climates, fleas are most abundant during the fall.
In warmer climates, flea control can require constant vigilance.
To search for fleas, separate the hairs around
the base of the tail, along the backs of the legs,
on the stomach, and around the neck and ears.
To test whether it’s flea dirt or regular dirt smear
some on a damp paper towel. If the smear is
reddish brown, it is most likely from fleas.
To detect fleas or flea dirt, have your dog
lie on a clean white sheet or towel while
you brush. Some fleas will jump off the dog
and onto the underlying surface, so even
if you don’t see the fleas themselves,
you can easily spot flea dirt on the
white sheet or towel.
You don’t have to see a live flea in order for your dog to be infested.
Even one flea on your dog means there are at least twenty
more in one form or another (eggs, larvae, or adults). These
insects are living on your dog, in the carpet, where your
dog sleeps, and around your house and yard.