Can A Dog Give You Fleas

You might have a dog and a cat as pets, and you love both of them equally. But there’s one thing that you definitely do not want: fleas. You probably have an understanding that you can get fleas from a cat, but can dogs give you fleas? How about a dog giving a person fleas? There is a common misconception that if you have a dog and catch fleas, those fleas are watching out for you. How many times have people said “if it’s not one thing, it’s another” or “one door closes another one opens”? It seems as though there is little truth in these sayings. While it may seem to be true in this case, it turns out that people can give dogs fleas but dogs cannot give people fleas.

Can A Dog Give You Fleas

Yes, humans can get fleas from their dogs and other pets. If you’ve ever walked across the carpet and noticed a dark speck on white socks that suddenly appears then vanishes, that speck probably was a flea.

While pets undoubtedly enrich our lives in innumerable ways, this close proximity has put us at greater risk for sharing ectoparasites, such as the flea. But don’t fret just yet; the possibility of getting fleas yourself is not reason to put your pup in the dog house.

There are thousands of species of fleas, and most animals have a specific flea species that prefers that animal as its host. While the flea that dogs typically carry can—and do—jump over to humans and bite us, the dog flea cannot survive on humans.

First, dog fleas need dog blood to eat. Second, humans aren’t hairy enough to provide ample hiding coverage or the warm environment that dog fleas seek in a home.

Most fleas figure this out quickly and will return to your pup or seek a safer spot in your home. This makes treating your home a key part of flea prevention and treatment not to overlook.

What to Do If You Spot Fleas

Flea bites—and fleas—are pretty distinctive. If you see dark small bugs that hop, instead of flying, and find yourself with bites, it is most likely fleas.

Unlike mosquito bites, flea bites remain small. If a flea bites you, you might see one or more of the following:

• bites that appear as small, red bumps
• a red “halo” around the bite center
• bites in groups of three or four, or in a straight line
• bites that appear around the ankles or legs

In humans, flea bites do not require specific treatment. Washing the area with soap and water, applying anti-itch cream as necessary, and avoiding the temptation to scratch will lead to quicker relief and healing.

In dogs, however, apart from irritation, fleas can lead to hot spots or cause anemia in heavy infestations, especially in young or debilitated dogs. In addition, certain fleas can carry several diseases, including the bubonic plague, and act as vectors to spread one of the most common tapeworms of the dog and cat.

While this can sound alarming, remember fleas on humans for more than a bite or two are rare. If you do spot fleas on yourself or your dog, it is best to initiate treatment right away and get a fecal exam for your dog.

Flea Treatment for Pets

Dogs and cats can share the same fleas, so it is important that all pets in your home are on a flea preventive. Treating your pets for fleas has never been easier, and many options are available for pets of all ages, as well as for your home, which range from do-it-yourself flea bombs to hiring professional exterminators.

How do I prevent fleas on my dog?

Successful flea control starts with prevention. Popular vet-recommended options for cat and dog flea treatments include Frontline Plus, Seresto and K9 Advantix II.

What about my home environment?

Environmental preparations for flea control are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Remember, however, that most products are effective against only the adult flea.

Products that contain Insect Growth Regulators (IGR) will help destroy the flea eggs and larvae. Before applying any environmental product, vacuum all floors to stimulate the pre-adult fleas to emerge from their protective cocoons. And be sure to discard the vacuum cleaner bag after its use.

My dog mostly lives outside. What should I do?

Fleas prefer tall grass and shaded areas near decks, woodpiles or storage buildings, so concentrate on these areas. Spray a product containing an IGR and repeat every 14-21 days for three to five applications.

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The fleas came back! Why? What did I do wrong?

Before fleas reach their adult stage, they can survive within a cocoon for up to nine months. During this time, they are resistant to insecticides applied to the environment. This is important to remember because adult fleas may emerge into the environment a considerable time after you apply insecticides in your home.

Sharing your home and heart with your four-legged family means that when your dog has fleas, the pests likely will try to bite you, too. Keep dogs and cats free of fleas and flea bites by administering prevention medication year-round and taking flea treatment seriously at the first sign.

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