Fleas are wingless, brown or black, bloodsucking insects with flattened bodies and three pairs of powerful legs. There are nearly 2000 recognized species of fleas! Some species are host specific while other have preferred hosts but are less specific.
The most common flea found on dogs and cats is Ctenocephalides felis. This is an aggressive and tenacious flea. Fleas found on humans and canines include Pulex irritans and Pulex simulans.
While the adult flea spends most of its time on the dog, the majority of flea life is spent off of the host.
Fleas usually feed only once every 1 or 2 days. The adult flea must ingest blood to attain sexual maturity. The adult male ingests only enough blood for body maintenance and reproduction. The adult female ingests many times the amount of blood necessary in order to produce a supply of blood-enriched fecal matter for the nourishment of the larvae.
Fleas serve as intermediate hosts for the common tapeworm, Dipylidium caninum. Dogs frequently acquire tapeworm infections by ingesting the fleas carrying one of the immature stages of the worm.
Flea allergy dermatitis is the most common skin disease in animals caused by a hypersensitivity to certain components of flea saliva. This saliva is secreted into the skin of the host as the flea feeds. Signs include:
Treatment involves stringent flea control. Eggs, larvae, and pupae comprise over 95% of the flea population and are present in the environment. In addition to the use of topical and systemic treatments for the dog, it is important to provide an environment free of the other stages of flea development. Pay particular attention to bedding, rugs, and other materials used by dogs for prolonged periods.