How Do Fleas Get on Dogs?

Fleas are flat, wingless insects that live on animals. They jump up to 100 times their body height and latch onto their host. Once attached, they migrate to areas that animals cannot scratch. Their poop resembles dirt crumbles. Dogs are not the only animals affected by fleas.

If you find fleas on your dog, you can give them a warm bath or use flea treatments that are prescribed by your veterinarian. In most cases, flea treatments are effective for several weeks. But if the infestation is serious, you may want to contact a vet.

Fleas can also get onto your dog from wildlife. Infestations can occur when wild animals visit your yard or bird feeders. In addition, fleas can spread from pet to pet when they jump from one animal to another. Keeping your dog indoors can prevent an infestation. Using flea collars is a great way to keep your dog flea-free. If your pet does get fleas, you can apply a flea treatment that will kill the fleas while preventing future infestations.

Fleas lay eggs on warm-blooded animals. Adult female fleas lay up to 2,000 eggs on an animal, and these eggs will hatch in about one to ten days. Once hatched, the larvae feed on the animal’s blood and dirt. They will then mature into an adult flea. During this stage, they lay eggs that will eventually fall off of the pet and into the yard.