Description of Fleas
Fleas are external parasites that are light or dark brown in colour, very mobile and easily visible when in numerous quantities. They are the small, wingless ectoparsites - a parasite which lives on the outside of its host. As parasites they live off the blood of mammals and birds. They are insects and belong to the Siphonaptera the literal meaning of which is "sucking-wingless". Fleas are related to the fly family but are modified to enhance their role as parasites. They have no wings, their antennae are short and no compound eyes but their major 'asset' is their remarkable jumping ability - fleas can jump 150 times their body length and 80 times their own height with a remarkable 200 G acceleration ! Most of them are parasites on mammals; a few live on birds. Adult fleas feed on blood, whilst their larvae feed on organic debris. Fleas are very small, their sizes ranging between 0.2-1.2 mm long (the size of a pinhead). Over 2300 different species of Fleas have been identified and their vast numbers and variety of hosts make them difficult to control - a female flea can produce between 500 and 1000 eggs in its lifetime! An adult flea has a maximum life span of about 1.5 years but on average they only live 2-3 months.

Fleas - Blood Suckers
Adult Fleas feed by sucking the blood of their hosts (our dogs or other animals). The larvae feed on tiny particles of organic waste such as bits of hair, feathers and skin and even faces. Fleas therefore only infest animals that have a nest site. This explains why most rodents (rats, mice, etc.) have fleas but most ungulates (cows, horses, deer, etc.) do not.

Fleas - Bubonic Plague (Black Death) carrier
The flea was the carrier of Bubonic Plague otherwise known as the Black Death transmitted by their hosts - rats. The species of flea responsible was the Xenopsylla Cheopis or the Rat Flea.

The Anatomy of Fleas
Fleas are light or dark brown small, wingless, external parasites measuring between 0.2-1.2 mm. The body of the flea is divided into three parts - the head, thorax, and abdomen. Attached to the thorax are three pairs of legs for a total of six - the last pair of legs are enlarged which give them their amazing jumping power. As previously noted fleas can jump 150 times their body length and 80 times their own height! Fleas are alerted to new hosts by their eyes and antennae which detect changes in light and shade, heat, vibration and changes in air currents. Adult Fleas live on the bodies of the host animal. The larvae live in nests or bedding - the larvae are called detritivores which feed on minute particles of discarded organic matter

The Life Cycle of Fleas
All Fleas have four stages to their Life Cycle which can be completed within 15 days - but the pupa can lay dormant before emerging as an adult. Understanding the life-cycle is important so that strategies for treatment and prevention can be designed and implemented.

Egg - Are white or cream and are laid on the host where they might stay, or they may fall to the ground until they hatch into larvae

Larvae - feed on the faces left by the mother. The larvae ( detritivores spins a cocoon - the pupa )

Pupae - can lie dormant for some considerable time

Adult - has a maximum life span of about 18 months but generally only live for 2-3 months.

Flea Control - Outdoor Environment
The control of Fleas is a two sided process - controlling the Fleas on a dog and controlling the environment - the kennel and home:

Fleas Control & Treatment - Indoor Environment

Fleas Control & Treatment - The Dog

About This Advice
We hope that this information about Canine fleas has been of some assistance. But please remember that if you are in doubt about your Dog's Health you should consult your vet or other suitably qualified expert.

You can find details and contact information for any UK vet here

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