Around the world, no matter where you live, fleas are a problem. With more than 2,000 species, you can’t escape them. Ctenocephalides felis is the most common and called the “cat flea,” which affects cats and dogs,1 wild animals (raccoons and skunks, for example), and ultimately, companion animal owners.
Fleas feed on your pet within a few minutes after jumping on them and may suck blood for up to 2-1/2 hours. The most voracious is the female flea, drinking up to 15 times her own body weight in blood.2 Even just one flea on your cat or dog can live for up to 2 months.
THE MULTIPLICATION PROFESSIONALS
Fleas lay eggs in such large numbers that flea infestations can rapidly get out of control. One female flea can lay 40 to 50 eggs per day for around 50 days: ~2,000 eggs during her lifespan. Clothing, carpeting, and bed linens are at risk for burrowing fleas, so cleaning (in very hot water) and vacuuming your pet’s bedding is key.1,2 New adult fleas can stay encased within pupae or cocoons in your home for weeks to months, and with heat, carbon dioxide, and activity, they will soon appear as young, hungry adult fleas to infest your pet. 1,2
DANGER BENEATH THE SURFACE
Fleas are the most commonly found external parasite on dogs and cats, but they can cause havoc for the family, too. Fleas can cause health problems that are more serious than an itch on your dog or cat that is mildly irritating; they transmit dog tapeworm (Dipylidium caninum) to dogs, cats, and humans, and can also spread bacterial diseases.1
Pets can develop severe allergies to flea bites (flea allergy dermatitis) with itching that remains even after fleas have vacated your pet.1,2
Your dog or cat may be more prone to fleas when outdoors, but fleas can lurk in the yard, on walks, or even in your own home. Getting rid of them fast is the best way to go!
FLEA FACTS AND FIGURES
• A flea can jump 100 times its length (up to 7 inches vertically and 13 inches horizontally)
• That’s equal to an person jumping 250 feet vertically and 450 feet horizontally
• Fleas do not commonly move from dog to dog, with most infestations originating from newly developed fleas within the pet’s environment
ASK US HOW YOU CAN HELP PROTECT YOUR PETS FROM FLEAS WITH BRAVECTO!
REFERENCES
1 Blagburn BL, Dryden MW. Biology, treatment, and control of flea and tick infestations. Vet Clin Am Small Anim Pract. 2009;39(6):1173-1200.
2 Dryden M, Rust M. The cat flea: biology, ecology and control. Vet Parasitol. 1994;52:1-19.
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