10 Facts About Fleas You Need To Know

Written By: Bren Parker

Vet-reviewed by Kevin Smith, DVM, Richmond Road Vet Clinic

It’s easy for pet owners to be dismissive about fleas. Since they are the most common external parasite among dogs, they can’t be too big of a deal, right? Actually fleas present numerous problems for both pets and owners and can lead to serious health consequences when not promptly addressed. The mild winters and humid summers of middle Tennessee create a climate that fleas thrive in. Here are ten facts about fleas all pet parents should know.

1. Fleas are blood suckers. These little vampire parasites survive by biting and feeding off the blood from animals and, yes, humans. While fleas can bite humans, they do not live on us. They prefer the hairy bodies of our pets.
2. Fleas are a health hazard. Fleas don’t just cause benign itching. The bite sites can become infected and over-scratching can lead to hair loss and skin sores. They also transmit diseases and spread tapeworm. An untreated flea infestation can even lead to life-threatening anemia from their constant feeding on the animal’s blood.
3. Fleas aren’t just a “dog problem”. They love all animals- cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, etc. Fleas can catch a ride to the indoors on just about anything and then head for the nearest warm-blooded creature. Which leads us to ……..

4. Indoor cats need flea prevention. Even if your cat doesn’t go outside, they still need to be protected from fleas that may hitch a ride into your home. This is especially necessary if there are other pets that do go out.
5. It’s usually easier to spot flea debris than see the fleas themselves. Fleas are tiny and scurry along the surface of the skin where you may not easily see them. Flea debris (actually flea poop) appears in the hair like black pepper flakes and it’s pretty obvious in light-colored coats. A flea comb will pull out the telltale debris on dark coats where it’s harder to find.

6. Fleas are prolific reproducers. Females can lay 50 eggs a day so by the time you spot that first flea they’ve likely been hard at work establishing a whole colony in your home. This means prompt action is needed. Waiting until next week’s shopping trip to pick up flea shampoo won’t work.
7. Fleas are everywhere. Even if your dog has no direct contact with other dogs, they can easily pick up these parasites on walks and in the backyard where squirrels, raccoons, and other hosts transport them.

6. The fleas aren’t only on the dog. If your pet has fleas you can be sure there are flea eggs hidden in the pet bedding, carpets, and furniture too. Plan on doing some deep cleaning.
7. The oldest known fossil of a flea dates to 200 million years ago. OK, you don’t really need to know this but it shows the incredible adaptability of an insect not much bigger than a pinhead.
8. Fleas are easy to prevent. The right prevention product at the right dosage should keep your pet free from harm. Speak with your veterinarian about what flea prevention is best suited to your pet. And if you do spot a flea on your pet, there’s no need to panic. Effective products for both your pet and home are on the market that can safely remedy the problem.