How Easily Do Fleas Spread From Dog to Dog?

The first step in preventing a flea infestation in your pet is to treat your pet. Fleas are extremely resilient and can survive on your pet for several weeks without being treated. Flea eggs fall off the pet and land wherever your pet spends time. After a few days, they hatch and develop into adult fleas, which are one eighth inch long and brown or black in color. Fleas typically live for about three weeks during the peak flea season. Adult fleas can live up to 100 days on their host.

Fleas are tiny, blood-sucking insects that live in a pet’s coat and skin. They are flattened, reddish brown, and have long claws on their back legs. Fleas are incredibly agile – one single adult flea can jump over twelve inches. These tiny insects can also live in cracks in carpeting and furniture. They are also capable of laying up to a hundred immature fleas. Infested pets may notice specks on their fur, which are actually dried blood. Once rehydrated, these specks will turn brown.

Fleas can spread easily from dog to dog, even between household pets. Pets that spend a lot of time outside, in kennels, or around other animals can pick up fleas. Even indoor pets can catch fleas, especially when the humidity is high inside.