What Does it Mean When a Dog Fleas You?
Fleas lay eggs that develop over a period of about a month to a year. When they are ready to emerge, flea larvae feed on organic matter before developing into a sticky cocoon called a pupa. The pupa attracts debris from its environment and protects the newly emerged flea. The flea pupa can develop in as little as ten days, but it can take six months or longer to emerge. The pupa is often found in carpets or underneath organic debris.
In addition to a flea infestation, flea-biting can also signal that your dog wants attention. Dogs often lick and nibble at their owners to groom themselves. This behavior can be a sign that your dog is lonely and needs your attention. As a dog’s best friend, you should make extra efforts to pay attention to your dog.
A dog’s fur will often have specks of flea dirt on it. You can check for flea dirt by sticking a piece of damp tissue paper to your dog’s fur. If there are fleas, the specks will turn red.
Flea bites may be itchy, and you may develop sores in the affected area. You should seek medical advice if you suspect that you have an allergy to fleas. Itching can only aggravate the situation and cause more damage. A dermatologist would recommend applying an ointment to your skin rather than scratching the bites, as it may cause further damage and make the sores worse.