Can you get fleas from your dog

And be sure to discard the vacuum cleaner bag after its use. Fleas prefer tall grass and shaded areas near decks, woodpiles or storage buildings, so concentrate on these areas. Spray a product containing an IGR and repeat every days for three to five applications. Before fleas reach their adult stage, they can survive within a cocoon for up to nine months. During this time, they are resistant to insecticides applied to the environment. This is important to remember because adult fleas may emerge into the environment a considerable time after you apply insecticides in your home.

Sharing your home and heart with your four-legged family means that when your dog has fleas, the pests likely will try to bite you, too. Keep dogs and cats free of fleas and flea bites by administering prevention medication year-round and taking flea treatment seriously at the first sign.

Published: February 15, By: Chewy Updated: November 3, By: Chewy Editorial Updated: September 16, By: Dr. Sarah Wooten Updated: August 11, By: Linda Rodgers Updated: October 1, By: Chewy Editorial Updated: April 29, By: Chewy Editorial Updated: November 3, But fleas can also bite you. Fleas do not live on humans, but they can still bite us.

In the United States, the most common fleas are cat fleas. There are also dog fleas, but they are less common in the U.

Fleas can live on other mammals and birds, such as rodents and livestock. There are 2, different types of fleas around the world. Fleas are attracted to some animals because of their fur or feathers. They can burrow into these fluffy bodies to hide and feed. They then lay eggs that eventually hatch after the larva and pupa stages. This cycle can cause a flea infestation on your pet that will need to be treated.

One lab study observed that a flea would have to feed on a human for 12 straight hours to have the chance to lay viable eggs. It would be very rare for a flea to be able to feed on a human for that long without getting found and removed. Fleas do not live on humans. They generally bite down at the feet, ankles, and legs by jumping from an infested pet or other animal, but it is most likely to be from an infested pet bed. It is very unlikely that a flea will stay on your body for any substantial amount of time.

Humans do not have fur or feathers like other animals and birds, which allow them to lay eggs and repopulate on a regular cycle. Fleas can bite people , most often on the feet, ankles, and legs. They may bite three times in a row.

Typically the initial bites do not cause a lesion in the skin, but once an individual is exposed to the fleas for a longer period of time , they develop a hypersensitive reaction. The visual results from a flea bite may last a few days, but they may get worse if you are more sensitive to the bites or if the area becomes infected. Fleas are more than a nuisance. Just make sure you continue treating for fleas, even in the winter. Flowers, Amy. Stevens, Cara J.

Medical News Today. Signs that Fleas Are in Your Bed Unfortunately, if your dog has fleas and sleeps in your bed, your bed will likely end up with fleas. Treating Your Dog for Fleas You also want to treat your dog so she doesn't develop a flea infestation. Remember, though, that vacuuming and shampooing a carpet will still leave a good percentage of live fleas, so some sort of chemical treatment may be necessary. The entire house is now ready to treat for fleas.

Several choices are available including highly effective foggers. Boric acid-based products may be a safer option for homes with small children or other situations where chemical residues are a concern. The most effective products are those which contain both an ingredient to kill adult fleas and an ingredient to kill the other life cycle stages. The latter is called an insect growth regulator. Methoprene is one such growth regulator.

Aerosol foggers may not penetrate well enough, in some cases, to kill all the hiding fleas and larvae. Another option for indoor control is a sodium borate product that is applied to carpeting. You should consider calling a local exterminating company for an estimate and a guarantee that their procedure will rid your premises of fleas. Flea eradication won't be cheap, but what price will you put on living free from flea infestations? As for outdoor control, sprays and pelleted insecticides are generally used after dog houses and dog kennels are cleaned thoroughly.

An insect growth regulator is a good choice here as well. Pyriproxifen is more stable in sunlight and lasts longer outdoors than methoprene. Production ceased in December of When choosing a diatomaceous earth product look for a food-grade product like DiatomaceousEarth Food Grade Powder , which is safe for use around pets. Certain nontoxic nematodes tiny worms can also be spread in areas of the yard which are warm and moist and which pets and fleas frequent.

The nematodes feed on the flea larvae. And once there is a cover of snow on the ground, much of the major source of fleas is eliminated. Be sure to consult your veterinarian regarding which methods and products will be best for you and your pets. Your veterinarian will be your best source for current flea information. Home Dog Care Center. How to Handle Fleas on Dogs. Written by: PetMD Editorial. Published: March 02, Image via iStock. How to Spot Fleas on Dogs How do you know if fleas are causing all that itching pruritus in veterinary terms?

Oral and Topical Flea Control Fleas are annoying and persistent.