Fleas are found in virtually every corner of the world. There are many types of flea, but all look fairly similar, whether an Asian rat flea in China or a cat flea in Texas. They are fairly easy to identify, either from the appearance of the flea itself or by the eggs and "flea dirt" they leave behind.
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Identification of Fleas
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All fleas are wingless, and their primary mode of locomotion is jumping. Fleas have six legs, and their hind legs are very long and powerful, making them one of the most proficient jumpers in the world, capable of jumping 200 times their own length. They are usually dark in color and less than 1/8 inch long. Viewed closely, the flea body is hard and shiny and even if compressed between fingernails, will withstand great pressure. They have adapted this way to be able to survive biting and scratching by their animal hosts. Most people do what they can to control fleas and protect their pets with flea collars or flea medication.
Features of Fleas
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Even if one does not see a flea, their presence is easy to detect. Naturally, their bites cause itching, sometimes intense. They lay very small, white oval eggs which are can be seen with the naked eye, often in grass, carpeting and on an animal's fur. When the larvae hatch, they immediately spin a sticky cocoon, which attracts dust and is very difficult to see. After one to two weeks, the larvae hatch into mature fleas. They leave "flea dirt," which many people mistakenly identify as feces. The little black specks you may see in a flea-infested dog's fur are actually dried blood left behind from feeding.
Types of Fleas
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There are over 2,000 species of fleas throughout the world. The most common type in North America is the cat flea. Despite its name, this flea will infest dogs too, as well as other livestock, humans and wild animals.
Effects of Fleas
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While most fleas are merely an itchy nuisance, they can be vectors for more serious diseases. The most common complication from fleas in domestic dogs is a flea allergy, known as flea dermatitis. Dogs which are allergic to the flea's saliva can get an intensely itchy rash from a single bite. In response, the dog will chew and scratch, often until they are bleeding, in an effort to alleviate the itching. Another common complication in flea-ridden dogs is tapeworms, which the dog gets by ingesting flea eggs as they groom themselves. Tapeworms mature in the intestinal system and can grow several feet long. Usually the owner will see tapeworm segments in the feces, around the dog's anus or sometimes on bedding. An untreated tapeworm infection eventually leads to a malnourished dog. It is easily treatable with a single dose of wormer.
Flea Control
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Fleas are intolerant of extreme cold, or rainy, wet conditions. In very humid climates are those where it freezes over winter, fleas are a seasonal problem. Hot, dry year around climates are ideal for fleas and can pose the greatest challenge to dog owners. The best way to control fleas is prevention by keeping all animals in the household on vet-prescribed flea medication or using flea collars.
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