Fleas in Dogs
Introduction
Fleas in Dogs Guide: Veterinary reviewed information that explains Fleas in dogs. Get started and see what choices you and your vet can make to successfully manage Fleas in Dogs.
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Definition of Fleas
Fleas are tiny, wingless, blood-sucking insects that are an annoyance to people and their pets. They also can carry and transmit serious diseases. Adult fleas are dark brown to black, fairly flat, about 2 to 3 millimeters in length and can be seen with the naked eye. Although they cannot fly, fleas have powerful back legs that give them extraordinary jumping capabilities. They are known for their rapid rate of reproduction. There are many species of fleas. Different species gravitate toward different hosts, especially cats, dogs, rabbits, rodents, horses, birds and humans. However, if fleas are hungry enough, they will feed on almost any available animal. The fleas that affect domestic dogs are Ctenocephalides canis and Ctenocephalides felis. Despite its name, the ordinary cat flea - Ctenocephalides felis – is by far the most common flea species that bothers pet dogs. Ctenocephalides canis is fairly uncommon in the United States.
Dogs become infested with fleas when they live in an area that is conducive to the flea life cycle, and when appropriate flea preventative steps are not taken. Fleas thrive in warm, damp climates. An average temperature in the range of 70 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit, in a moist environment, is optimal for these parasites. From a flea’s perspective, the hotter and damper, the better. Accordingly, dogs living in hot, humid areas tend to develop
Fleas are more than just annoying insects. They are the leading cause of itchiness (pruritis), scratching and skin irritation in companion dogs. Fleas cause some degree of irritation simply by crawling around on a dog’s skin. Inevitably, once they settle on a host, they quickly begin to dine. Fleas survive by biting into their host’s skin and feeding on its blood. Some dogs have fairly mild reactions to flea bites. Others, however – especially young
The cat flea is the most common ectoparasite of both dogs and cats in the United States and has been found on over a dozen other animals. While it does serve as the intermediate host of some tapeworms, its main effect is the itching and irritation produced by its bite (along with flea allergy dermatitis in susceptible animals).Cat fleas are laterally-flattened, wingless insects approximately one-eighth inch long when engorged (double their unfed size). Under magnification
The sticktight flea is an occasional pest of dogs and cats, as well as of chickens and other birds. Poultry sometimes have clusters of these fleas around the eyes, comb, wattles, and other bare spots. These dark-brown fleas have their heads embedded in the host's flesh and cannot be brushed off. Sticktight fleas are commonly a problem on dogs which have contact with barnyard fowl. Typically, on dogs and cats, the sticktight fleas will be
While prevention is the best cure for fleas, quick treatment of flea-related medical conditions is the next best thing. There are many ways to control flea populations. The affected dog and all other animals in the household should be treated. A flea comb can be used to remove fleas, especially from short-haired dogs and cats. The fleas should be killed immediately; this can be accomplished by putting them into a sealable container with a bit
Organic treatment options for fleas on dogs include dietary supplements, applying essential oils on the dog’s fur, and eliminating the fleas from the dog’s environment. Pet owners who wish to use organic treatments for fleas on their dog need to realize that these treatment options require plenty of commitment and diligence.Dietary supplements in the dog’s diet may help to repel fleas away from the dog if they are present in the dog’s environment. These supplements
Methods used to eradicate fleas from your home depend on the severity of the infestation. Prescription topical treatments placed on the dog’s skin, professional pesticide services, and cleaning the dog’s environment may all be used to eradicate fleas.Prescription topical treatments such as Frontline and Advantage are highly effective at removing all fleas from the dog’s environment in a short amount of time. As soon as a flea lands on the dog it dies, or fleas