Fleas are the most common external parasite of dogs and cats in North America. Found throughout the U.S., fleas fare particularly well in warm, humid climates such as here and all along the Gulf Coast. There are numerous species of fleas, but the one that most commonly annoys household pets is the cat flea, Ctenocephalides felis. 

We deal with this parasite on a daily basis at Murphy Road Animal Hospital. Fleas are more than a blood-sucking nuisance. Their bites can transmit blood-borne diseases among animals and can also pose a human health threat. For example, cat-scratch disease, tapeworms, and flea allergy dermatitis are potential illnesses of both pets and people. Because a flea can live for weeks to months and will bite within minutes of finding its host, heavy flea infestations could even cause life-threatening anemia in young animals.

            Controlling flea infestations is no easy task. You would much prefer to prevent a flea population from invading your home and yard than be forced to reckon with an established horde. Beginning within 24 hours of biting your pet, each female flea lays 40-50 eggs per day as long as they live. These eggs roll off your pet’s coat within hours, seeding the home and yard with hundreds of eggs. In a matter of weeks, those eggs have hatched and developed into the next generation of pesky freeloaders.

            The best flea treatment kills adults and prevents new populations from mushrooming by lasting weeks on your pet. According to the Companion Animal Parasite Council, “Administer preventive flea and/or tick products as soon after birth as possible (consistent with label claims) for the life of the pet.”   These high quality prescription products are available through your veterinarian. You can also visit www.petsandparasites.org for more information on how fleas affect pets.