What are the little “black pepper” spots on my pet?
What are the little “black pepper” spots on my pet?This Frequently Asked Question (FAQ) is from a viewer named Margaret. “My question is: my dog has these little black things in her fur that look like little spots of black pepper. I took one off him today and it is real hard and cracks when I put it between my fingers. He has many of them on his little body. He went to the groomers last month and she didn’t say anything about fleas. Is that what I am dealing with and what should I do?”Answer: Flea “dirt” is the common name for what looks like bits of black pepper or dirt on your pet’s skin and in the hair coat. It is actually the flea feces, composed mainly of the blood meal ingested by the flea from your pet. The blood is dried out, giving it a black, crackly appearance and texture. To test this, wet a cotton ball or paper towel and add some of the “black pepper” material. If it dissolves into a reddish-
