Can Cat Fleas Get on Dogs?
WouterThere are two main species of fleas that affect humans and animals. The first is the cat flea, which is most common in the U.S. Dog fleas are less common, but they are still an issue for pet owners. Both types of fleas bite, leaving small lines of excrement on the animal.
These small bugs measure between one and two millimeters in length. They’re brown or black in color and feed on the blood of their host. Fleas reproduce quickly, so it is important to treat an infestation immediately. During the spring and summer months, they’re most abundant. They prefer warm, humid weather and temperatures of 65 to 80 degrees.
Fleas reproduce by attaching themselves to human hair and body hair, laying eggs, and feeding. Adult fleas have two mouth parts to suck blood. One part squirts blood into the host, and the other part sucks it from the host. Fleas can suck up to ten gallons of blood in a day. The female flea lays its eggs within 24 to 36 hours of feeding.
Fleas are very hard to get rid of. You can’t get rid of them entirely, but you can get rid of them by making sure your pets are clean. Fleas can be spread between pets, so it is best to prevent them from coming into contact with your animals. You can also treat your dog with a topical medication and shampoo to kill the fleas.
