• Very first sign and most common is the scratching and itching. 
• Black or dark red dirt through out the coat ( this is flea feces)
• Scabbing around face, neck, and base of tail.
• Seeing little brownish black bugs 

Treatment if your pet has fleas:

• A good bath will kill any living fleas on your pet. We don't use flea shampoos as they are toxic.  If they stay on the pet and they lick themselves, they could be poisoned.  Be safe!
• Wash all pet bedding and house linens that pet could have been in contact with.
• Use some flea powder on your carpets and rugs then vacuum. Or some people use Flea Busters. 
• If fleas are really bad you might want to fog your house with room bomb.  Read direction carefully.
• Then lastly, get a yard flea spray that will kill any living fleas left in your grass. But again remember that all of this is poison.  Keep pets off until dry. 

Prevention of fleas:

• The best way to prevent fleas from getting on your pet is treating them with a topical treatment like frontline plus or advantage. Please be aware that not all pets can use these flea products.  Always test first. 
• Regular bathing and grooming will keep fleas and other varmints off your pets. 
• Keep stray cats and wild animals away from your home by using an animal repellant. They house many fleas.
• Keep an eye out for sign of fleas and keep your pets hygiene up.  Watch for signs of itching, scratching and chewing.  Sometimes it is dry skin or an allergy; but if its in the summer or fall; it may also be the "dreaded flea."

Other facts about fleas:

• We don't have fleas here in the winter.  Give your pet a break from the spot on flea treatment.  It also is a poison.  
• The high season for fleas here is generally July, August, September and October.  Warm and dry or hot and the fleas thrive.  Fall of course brings the chill of winter, cold nights, warm days; and the fleas are looking for places to be always from the freezing temps.   
• Flea eggs hatch within 7 to 14 days
• Fleas can live over 100 days