Dial A Vet Logo
  • How It Works
  • Pricing
  • Blog
  Speak to a Vet now

Question:

Are these flea poops or its eggs or something else? If so, how to get rid of them?

I'm feeling pretty overwhelmed right now and could really use some advice. I was brushing my cat, Luna, this morning and noticed these tiny black specks on her fur and around her sleeping area. I’m not exactly sure what they are—are they flea poops, eggs, or something else entirely? I’m freaking out because Luna means the world to me, and I just want her to be comfortable and healthy. I’ve heard horror stories about fleas taking over, and I want to nip this in the bud if that’s what we’re dealing with. Any tips on how to identify these for sure and get rid of them effectively? I’m especially looking for solutions that won’t stress her out too much. Thanks in advance for your help!

Answer:

Hello there! It sounds like you’re describing those pesky little black or dark brown specks that can show up on pets or their bedding, often referred to as “flea dirt.” This flea dirt is actually flea feces, which is a mix of dried blood and insect waste. It can look a lot like ground black pepper or bits of dirt.

To check if what you're seeing is flea dirt, try placing a few specks on a damp paper towel. If it’s flea dirt, it will leave red-brown streaks as it dissolves, indicating the presence of digested blood.

Flea eggs, on the other hand, are tiny and white, almost like grains of salt, so they look a bit different from flea dirt.

For at-home care, start with a good bath for your pet to remove any fleas and flea dirt. Make sure to wash their bedding and vacuum areas where your pet spends a lot of time. This will help remove any eggs or immature fleas in the environment.

Watch for signs like excessive scratching, redness, hair loss, or restless behavior, as these could indicate a more serious flea infestation or an allergic reaction. If your furry friend seems distressed or uncomfortable, it’s best to address it promptly.

I recommend booking a video consult with one of our veterinarians at Dial A Vet. They can provide personalized advice and help you develop an effective flea control plan. Take care!

Answered by

Louise - Senior Veterinary Nurse, Dial A Vet

June 17, 2025

  Book A Vet Consultation
The "Ask a Vet" forum on Dial A Vet offers general information and helpful tips on pet health, but it's not a substitute for professional veterinary care. The advice here doesn't create a veterinarian-client-patient relationship, and our vets can't diagnose or treat your pet remotely. For emergencies or specific medical concerns, always contact your local veterinarian immediately. Your pet's health is unique, and decisions should only be made after consulting with a qualified professional. By using this forum, you acknowledge these limitations and agree to seek in-person veterinary advice for all your pet's health needs. View our content guidelines.
🧠 Related Pet Owner Questions
Dog diagnosed with Babesiosis, anemia worsened 4 days after starting treatment
Louise - Senior Veterinary Nurse, Dial A Vet
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Personal pet question...attraction/licking adhesive/ adhesive residue
Louise - Senior Veterinary Nurse, Dial A Vet
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Why does my dog keep gaining weight even though she is being fed and walked normally and even on diet dog food now?
Louise - Senior Veterinary Nurse, Dial A Vet
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
4 mo Standard Poodle-1st Vet visit referred to Cardiologist for Enlarged Heart. Booked out 6 weeks what do I do while waiting?
Louise - Senior Veterinary Nurse, Dial A Vet
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Money Magazine
Australia's Leading
Online Vet
TrustPilot:
Excellent
Real Vets

Thousands of Pet Owners across the Globe rely on Dial A Vet for peace of mind.

Real questions, vet reviewed answers and quality care.

Trusted by 40,000+ users
4.7/5
dog in grass
Ina
Pet Owner

It was so easy, I needed some eye drops for my dog and thinking about going to the vet on a weekend made me nervous about the cost involved. Dial A Vet was a much simpler, cheaper option with faster results. Within 10 minutes of the call, I had the medicine I needed for my dog without an expensive consultation.

25 May 2025
Joanne
Pet Owner

A great fast efficient service with a qualified vet who was lovely and helpful. Thank you Samantha. I was able to sort my dog at 6pm on a Sunday night for $49 - amazing. Highly recommend.

12 May 2025
Lisa
Pet Owner

What an amazing service, at my wits end as I knew my beautiful dog had an ear infection, could not get into the vet for 4 days. Never knew there was vets online until I googled. Within 15 minutes on a Sunday I was taking to beautiful Samantha who diagnosed and treated our Jasper. Only $49. She trusted that we knew our boy and gave us lots of advice. I will definitely be using dial a vet every time and sharing with all my friends and family. Absolutely fantastic kind caring service. 11/10

7 April 2025
The logo for Dial A Vet, the online vet company.

With Dial A Vet, expert veterinary advice is just a tap away. Get fast vet consultations, trusted care, and personalized pet support—anytime, anywhere, all year round.

Dial A Vets uses software that is HIPAA compliant and SOC - 2 Certified.

support@dialavet.com.au

dial a vet owner with cat
dial a vet pet owner with dog in a orange top
colourful pet owner with their dog
40k+
Pet Owners
Fluffy stuff
Terms & ConditionsPrivacy policy
Company
How It WorksPricingBlogFree Online VetOnline VetPet Symptom CheckerFind a Local Vet ClinicFree Teachers lesson plansGasTexts: Free Gas Prices TextedCheersVC
NEW ZEALAND
Speak to A Vet NZ
Our Social Links