How Do Fleas Turn Into Lice?

Lice bite humans, dogs, and cats, but they are not transmitted from one pet to another. While the infected pet may be capable of transmitting the infection to another pet, this is rare. Unlike fleas, which can be spread through close contact and contaminated environments, lice do not usually jump on other pets, unless they are already infected. However, if one of your pets is infected with lice, you must treat them all.

A pet that is infested with fleas will usually show signs of excessive itching and restlessness. You can try to eliminate the infestation by cleaning the animal’s bedding. You should also check your home for any signs of infestation. If you find any, call a veterinarian or a pest control professional.

Fleas and lice are closely related, but they have very different anatomy and behaviors. Fleas have long, stout legs and are smaller than lice. They are also much less visible than ticks, so a pet may not be able to detect them. Fleas and lice live inside the host’s hair.

The lifespan of fleas is shorter than that of lice. While lice live for years, fleas are only present for two to three months on a host. In that time, fleas lay thousands of eggs. Lice lay their eggs in bedding, carpets, and backyard areas, and hatch into adults.