Ctenocephalides felix Spring weather is here, and with the warmer temperatures comes an increase in the number of parasites that can harm our pets. In the CSRA, fleas are a major concern for pet owners, especially this year with the large amounts of rain and mild temperatures during the winter months. To protect your furry friend, it is important to understand how fleas live.
The life- cycle of the flea has 4 stages, which takes about 3 weeks to complete, beginning with an egg. In order for a female flea to lay her eggs, she must find a host. Once a flea jumps onto its host (fleas can jump more than seven inches in height and a distance of thirteen inches), the female lays the eggs on the hair of your pet, which then fall off into carpet, bedding or soil. The eggs hatch in approximately 2 days, and the flea larva feed off of organic matter in your flooring or soil for 2 weeks. After the feeding period, the larva spins a cocoon; this is known as the pupal stage. Seven days later, an adult emerges from the cocoon and has approximately 7 days to find a blood meal, or it will die. The average life span of a flea from egg to death is approximately 2-3 months.
Flea Life Cylce
Here are some other interesting facts about fleas:
· During her lifespan, an adult female can lay approximately 2000 eggs.
· Female fleas can consume 15 times their body weight in blood on a daily basis during their lifespan.
· In the United States, the cat flea(Ctenocephalides felix)is the main species found on both dogs and cats.
· During her lifespan, an adult female can lay approximately 2000 eggs.
· Female fleas can consume 15 times their body weight in blood on a daily basis during their lifespan.
· In the United States, the cat flea(Ctenocephalides felix)is the main species found on both dogs and cats.
Flea dirt in parted hair Knowing this information, how can you protect your pet? In the CSRA, veterinarians recommend pet owners use year-round flea prevention because of the warm, subtropical environment and the emergence of new, hungry fleas into the environment monthly. Not seeing a flea on your pet does not mean that there are no fleas in your house or yard (see above). Because adult fleas make up a small percentage of the total flea population (around 5%), they can be hard to see on your pet. Instead of looking for actual fleas, it is advised pet owners look for flea droppings, or flea dirt, at the base of the hair follicle, near the skin. To look for flea droppings, part the hair at the base of the tail by using a flea comb. The presence of flea dirt indicates fleas are present. The use of monthly flea preventions help prevent flea infestations in your house and on your pet, but they offer additional protection as well, such as preventing the transmission of tapeworms, flea anemia in young animals, and flea allergy dermatitis. Knowing that parasite dangers are increasing, please discuss the different types of flea preventions available with your veterinarian today
Available prevention at Greenbrier Veterinary Services
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