Human Dog Fleas

Fleas are an infestation of the parasitic insects, which is usually found in both dogs and cats. Fleas can also potentially infect humans who might come in contact with them, or their feces. Around 2,000 species of flea have been identified and they vary in shape and size. This parasite feeds off the blood of warm-blooded animals by burrowing into their skin, creating a red itchy rash with open sores on the host’s body.

Human Dog Fleas

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.

Human Dog Fleas

 

Dog fleas are a problem. They can be found on dogs and cats, but they can also be found on other animals such as rodents, birds, and even humans. The most common species of dog flea is the cat flea, which is why most people think that a dog flea bite is worse than a cat flea bite.

Dog fleas (Ctenocephalides canis) are what most people think of when they think of fleas. They are reddish-brown in color with a black head and black legs. Dog fleas are small insects that try to feed off the blood of their host animal by biting them. Dog fleas have been known to cause severe irritation, itching and discomfort for their hosts due to their bites.

There are many different ways to get rid of dog fleas from your home or yard. Some people may choose to purchase over-the-counter products such as sprays or powders that contain insecticides like permethrin or pyrethrin; however these can be dangerous for pets if used incorrectly or carelessly because they contain harmful chemicals that may cause irritation or even respiratory problems in some cases if not used correctly according to manufacturer instructions on labels

List Of Human Dog Fleas