Can Cat Fleas Live on Dogs in the UK?

The first step in determining whether cat fleas can live on dogs is to learn how these parasites live on animals. The study involved 326 veterinary practices. In total, 1627 animals were examined and 1475 completed a questionnaire. Only one animal did not have any information regarding its host species.

The prevalence of fleas in companion animals is generally between 10 and 40 percent. In rare cases, prevalence may be higher than this. Factors that determine prevalence include location, lifestyle, and number of pets. Additionally, frequency of insecticide treatments and outdoor access are important factors. In addition, seasonal variations are common. For example, during the winter, the prevalence of fleas tends to decrease while during the spring and autumn, the number of infections increases.

In the UK, fleas can live on dogs and cats and may be found on other household pets. Dogs and cats have a higher risk of contracting these parasites. In addition to infecting domestic pets, cats can transmit these parasites to humans. Therefore, pet owners should always treat their dogs to avoid an infestation.

The study found that 14 of 470 pooled flea DNA samples tested positive for D. caninum. These samples had a single band at 650 bp and a total DNA content of over 25 ng per 5 ml. These positive samples were found mostly in the south of England. Northern England and Scotland were not affected.