Do Fleas Give You Lice?
WouterIf you have a pet that is frequently scratching, you may be wondering, “Do fleas give you lice?” Fleas are not human parasites, and they cannot live on the hair or scalp of humans. They feed on other animals, including rats and mice. More than 2000 species of fleas are known to exist around the world.
These insects are wingless and live in animals’ hair and feathers. They are white or tan in color and difficult to spot, especially on light-colored animals. But they are much easier to identify on animals with dark brown or black fur. If you have any suspicion that your pet has lice, you can treat it with a topical product.
Fleas cannot live long on humans because they lack substantial hair. This makes them very difficult to reproduce. Despite this, they can survive without a human host for a few days or weeks. Besides their lack of hair, fleas also require 12 hours of contact with a human to lay their eggs. Hence, you should always wash yourself after handling a pet if you suspect that you have fleas. The best way to avoid catching fleas is to keep your pets and their beds clean.
If you suspect your pet has fleas, you should contact your veterinarian immediately. You may need to take your dog for a bath. Depending on the severity of the infestation, you may have to schedule a professional appointment with a groomer. If you suspect your pet has lice, you should also consider treating the pet to kill the fleas before they affect you. Using a topical solution or shampoo for fleas may help.
