If you know dogs, you probably know what fleas are, and you don't want to see fleas at home, on yourself, or on dogs. However, these parasites are more than just a simple obnoxious thing. Fleas pose a significant threat to the health of dogs and other animals, including humans. These tiny external parasites feed on the blood of animals, and their bites can cause a lot of health problems. As a dog owner, you should know some basic knowledge about the risks, prevention and treatment of fleas. With this proper knowledge, you can better keep your dog and your home away from fleas.
<h1 class="pgc-h-arrow-right" > basics about fleas</h1>
A fleas are a small wingless insect whose body is hard and flat and easily passes through the pet's hair. The legs of a fleas can jump very long distances, and its mouthparts can suck blood. This parasite feeds on the blood of its host, usually mammals. There are several types of fleas, but the most common fleas in North America that parasitize dogs, cats and other pets are cat fleas, also known as ctenophores. Although such fleas can bite, humans are not their ideal hosts. The fleas prefer cats, dogs, rabbits, rodents, and other similar small mammals.
<h1 class="pgc-h-arrow-right" > the life cycle of fleas</h1>
The life cycle of fleas has four stages.
Eggs: An adult female fleas can lay 40 eggs a day (20-30 is also common) that are laid on the host but quickly fall from the host to the surrounding environment, falling in the upholstery of pet bedding, carpets, wooden floors, etc. At home, these eggs usually hatch within 2-3 days.
Larvae: Once the eggs hatch, the larvae come out, and these tiny creatures feed mainly on flea feces (basically dried blood) and unhatched eggs in the environment. The larva undergoes three growth stages before it forms a cocoon and enters the pupal stage. Under most family conditions, the larval stage usually lasts from 5 to 15 days.
Pupae: Inside the cocoon, the pupa begins to transform into a flea. Cocoons are almost indestructible, absorbing dust and debris to camouflage themselves and protect themselves. Pupae can rest in a general environment for several months. Fleas in the pupal phase usually do not come out of the cocoon until they feel the host; they can do so by sensing temperature and pressure, for example.
Adult fleas: Fleas that have just broken out of their cocoons jump onto their hosts and start sucking blood as soon as possible. Female fleas usually lay eggs within two days of the first blood suck, take blood from the host, and then drain the blood and eggs into the host to begin a new life cycle. Adult fleas usually survive in pets for one to two weeks, but can survive longer under ideal artificial conditions.
Once you understand the life cycle of fleas, you should be able to understand why dogs become infected with fleas a few months after moving to a new home or to a new place without pets. As soon as the pupa senses the presence of the host, it will burst out of the pupae. A dog can suddenly have hundreds of fleas, and you can't even think of where they came from! In just a few days, fleas multiplied wildly, and the infection seemed to be out of control.
<h1 class="pgc-h-arrow-right" > the hazards of fleas to dogs</h1>
Fleas are uncomfortable, but in addition to this, fleas can be harmful to your health and that of your pets.
Fleas allergic dermatitis: Fleas itching is caused by a local allergic reaction triggered by the saliva of fleas. The skin of some animals is more sensitive than that of others, and they have more severe itching, irritation, scratching, skin damage, and some major skin infections after being bitten by fleas, while the skin of some animals reacts to fleas bites with little because they do not have an allergic reaction to the saliva of fleas.
Anemia: If the host is infected with too many fleas, the host animal will cause anemia due to excessive blood loss, and puppies and weak and sick dogs are particularly dangerous. If fleas are not treated and removed in time, dogs may die of anemia or develop complications.
Tapeworm infection (Tapeworm canine): This type of tapeworm becomes infected after the dog mistakenly eats an infected fleas (for example, when the dog licks its own hair). Fleas larvae often ingest tiny tapeworm eggs, causing adult fleas to carry large amounts of harmful bacteria.
The best way to keep your dog away from fleas is to prevent fleas infestation in the first place. It is very important to check your dog regularly for fleas and to protect your dog against fleas throughout the year. Don't let fleas infest you and your pets and the lives of your family.
If you suspect your dog is sick, take him to the vet right away. Be sure to consult a veterinarian about all health questions as they are more knowledgeable and professional about your pet's health and can provide the best health advice for your dog.