Despite the availability of many easy and effective parasite control treatments nowadays, we still do see dogs and cats with skin issues caused by fleas. Here are four useful facts about fleas to help you keep these pesky critters at bay in your household!

1. Some pets are more affected by fleas

While some pets will show little to no visible symptoms despite having a large burden of fleas, others can develop significant, long-lasting skin reactions from just one or two bites, because they have developed an allergy to the proteins in flea saliva known as FAD (flea allergy dermatitis).

2. A female flea can lay up to 50 eggs per day

When fleas jump onto your dog or cat, they will consume a blood meal, start breeding, and begin to produce eggs 24-48 hours later. They can then survive up to 100 days on your pet, feeding on your pet’s blood and producing more rounds of eggs, which will scatter around your home and garden – yuck!

3. Pupae (flea cocoons) can lie dormant for long periods

As part of the flea lifecycle, immature larvae will spin cocoons (inside which they will develop into adult fleas). These fleas can lie dormant in their cocoons for weeks to months until the time is right to hatch, and can survive winter temperatures and insecticide spray treatments.

4. FAD tends to cause distinctive symptoms

Pets with FAD develop intense itching after just one or two bites, which triggers lots of scratching and eventually, areas of hair loss, raw or scabby skin patches, and, often, secondary infection.

Dogs with FAD tend to develop irritation mostly around their rump and back legs, whilst cats can show symptoms such as:

• Miliary dermatitis (tiny scabby bumps, often around their head, neck and back)
• Hair loss on their belly, inner thighs and lower back
• The development of allergic ulcers around their lips, mouth or skin

Suspect fleas on your pet? Consult our knowledgeable team for advice on treatment and prevention!