Fleas are parasitic insects belonging to the group Siphonaptera. There are an estimated 2,000 species of fleas worldwide, all of which cause itching and discomfort to our canine companions, according to "Pathology and Parasitology for Veterinary Technicians." Despite the large number of species, fleas cause the same reaction and have similar characteristics and habits.
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Identification
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Fleas are brown or brownish red with a flattened body. On average, they are 2 to 8mm long, only slightly smaller than a sesame seed. They have six legs, or three pairs of legs. The last pair on the abdomen are enlarged, allowing fleas to jump to distances greater than 1 foot, as stated by the "Clinical Textbook for Veterinary Technicians." Both male and female fleas are parasitic in nature, and it can be nearly impossible to tell the two apart without the aid of a microscope.
Significance
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Fleas utilize their eyes and antennae to sense nearby heat, physical vibrations, carbon dioxide output and changes in air flow to detect a possible meal. Fleas feast on the blood of dogs, leading to the transmission of diseases such as haemobartonellosis, plague, typhus and tularemia. Fleas also transmit other parasites, including tapeworms (dipylidum caninum) and dipetlonema reconditum. Fleas cause anemia and malnutrition. Extremely young puppies, immune-compromised dogs or geriatric dogs with severe flea infestations may die if left untreated.
Flea Life Cycle
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Fleas have four stages of development: egg, larvae, pupae and adult. Two days after mating, female fleas lay eggs. The eggs are typically laid on the host dog but may fall off into the dog's environment. Female fleas deposit a brownish fecal matter made of digested blood to help nourish the eggs. This discharge is known as "flea dirt." Each flea lays between 30 and 50 eggs per day and can produce between 400 and 1,000 eggs in the short lifespan of several months to two years.
If the temperature is warm, eggs hatch two days after laying. The larvae feed on flea dirt. Flea larvae resemble small maggots. After a week, larvae spin cocoons in order to hibernate. This pupa develops into an adult when vibrations, carbon dioxide or warmth indicate the presence of a viable host. The cycle lasts about 15 days, but can last up to a year depending upon temperature, lack of host or chemical interference.
Control and Prevention
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Dog flea control and prevention is necessary to stop the spread of disease and interrupt the life cycle of fleas. A successful dog flea control routine involves removing fleas from both indoor and outdoor environments, as well as removing fleas from the dog. A good control routine should also keep immature fleas from developing with the use of chemicals known as insect growth regulators (IGRs).
Considerations
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Ridding your dog and home of fleas can take up to six months or more, depending upon the conditions in your home and the severity of the flea infestation. The products and methods used to control fleas also contribute to the time frame it takes to rid your dog of fleas. If you are suffering from a severe flea problem or your dog is having an adverse reaction, such as flea allergy dermatitis, speak to a licensed veterinary care professional about prescription flea control options.
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