- Dog flea
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Dog flea 
Scientific classification Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Arthropoda Class: Insecta Order: Siphonaptera Family: Pulicidae Genus: Ctenocephalides Species: C. canis Binomial name Ctenocephalides canis The dog flea (Ctenocephalides canis) is a species of flea (Siphonaptera) that lives primarily on the blood of dogs. The dog flea is troublesome because it can spread Dipylidium caninum. They are commonly found in Europe.
Although they feed on the blood of dogs and cats, they sometimes bite humans. They can live without food for several months, but females must have a blood meal before they can produce eggs. They can deliver about 4000 eggs on the host's fur.[1] The eggs go through four lifecycle stages: embryo, larva, pupa, and imago (adult).[2] This whole life cycle from egg to adult takes from two to three weeks, although this depends on the temperature. It may take longer in cool conditions.[3]
Contents
Anatomy
The dog flea's mouthparts are adapted for piercing skin and sucking blood. Dog fleas are external parasites, living by hematophagy off the blood of dogs. The dog often experiences severe itching in all areas where the fleas may reside.
Fleas do not have wings and their hard body is flattened from side-to-side and has hairs and spines, which makes it easy for them to travel through hair. They have relatively long hind legs for jumping.[3]
Signs and symptoms
Flea infestations can be not only annoying for both dogs and humans but also very dangerous. Problems caused by fleas may range from mild to severe itching and discomfort to skin problems and infections. Anemia may also result from flea bites in extreme circumstances. Furthermore, fleas can transmit tapeworms and diseases to pets.[2]
When fleas bite humans they may develop an itching rash with small bumps that may bleed. This rash is usually located on the armpit or fold of a joint such as the elbow, knee, or ankle. When the area is pressed, it turns white.[4]
When dogs are troubled by fleas they scratch and bite themselves, especially in areas such as the head, neck, and around the tail. Fleas normally concentrate in such areas. This incessant scratching and biting may cause the dog's skin to become red and inflamed.
Flea allergy dermatitis is developed by those dogs allergic to flea saliva. In this case, the symptoms previously mentioned are more pronounced. Because of compulsive scratching and biting, the dog may lose hair, get bald spots, exhibit hot spots due to extreme irritation, and develop infections that result in smelly skin.[2]
Treatments
To effectively get rid of fleas and flea eggs, one should treat not only dogs but also the household and exterior regions to eliminate eggs from bedding, grass, floor, furniture and other areas.[5]
Treatment should be given as soon as signs of fleas appear and repeated regularly. Delays in treating the infestation may lead to flea-transmitted diseases.[6]
Once-a-month topical products are the most commonly used products to kill parasite infestations. They are normally applied on the back of the pet and their advantage is that they also provide protection from further infestations. Sprays come in the form of aerosols and pump bottles and they are meant to be applied on all parts of the pet. Dips and rinses are also available but they are not as common as the other such products because they are ones of the most unsafe for the health of the pet.
In 2009 the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) conducted an investigation into the reactions of many pets to topical flea products and released preliminary reports in the spring of 2010.[7]
There are also different treatments available for dogs from natural alternatives to chemically-based products that include topical medications and oral medications. Although common remedies provide natural options with natural ingredients such as lavender, pennyroyal, neem, and sweet mace which are insect repellents[2] care should be used since "natural" does not always mean non-toxic.
Evaluations of the toxicity of flea treatment products have been scientifically studied and are available online from the Natural Resource Defense Council [8] and a list of less toxic and alternative treatments can be found in the reference book, Flea Control Secrets which maintains a blog specifically on flea treatment.[9]
Control products include medicines, drops and sprays that offer different results. Some of the most common brands and their basic characteristics include:
- Frontline comes in sprays, drops, general flea medication, and other flea control products and it is highly effective.
- Advantage is a quick-acting topical application product that stops biting fleas in three to five minutes.[10]
- K9 Advantix not only kills fleas and ticks but also offers control against mosquitoes, biting flies and lice with its waterproof formula.[11]
- Capstar is an affordable Nitenpyram pill that kills 98% of adult fleas within five hours. However, eggs and larva do not get killed so it may be necessary to combine it with another product.[12]
- Program comes in pills or liquid and it is taken monthly. It basically kills off the flea's capacity to reproduce which gradually kills off all the fleas.[13]
- Revolution is a spot application that protects dogs from heartworms, fleas and other parasites.[14]
- Biospot is an affordable option made to kill fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes. One application lasts about three months for fleas but one month for ticks and mosquitoes. It is not waterproof.[15]
- Sentinel is a monthly Lufenuron tablet that stops young fleas from molting their outer shells, and makes the females lay eggs that can't hatch.[16]
- Vectra is a once a month flea and tick treatment given to dogs. It kills all fleas and ticks that stays on the dog for a given amount of time. The formula is waterproof. The dog formula should not be used on cats as it has an ingredient that could affect the cat in negative ways.
Before choosing a treatment it is important to know the dog's weight and age. It is also important to consult a veterinarian to learn more about the products and choose the one that is best for the dog.
Alternative treatments
Alternative treatments include homemade repellents. Garlic, Brewers Yeast, and apple cider vinegar are effective in repelling fleas on healthy dogs. Sick or immune deficient dogs tend to attract more fleas and may require both commercial and alternative treatment.
Prevention
Preventing and controlling flea infestations is a multi-step process. Prevention in the case of flea infestations can sometimes be difficult but is the most effective way to ensure the dog will not get re-infected. Controlling flea infestations implies not only that the pet has been cured and the fleas living on it are killed but also that the environment in which the pet lives is free of these parasites. And from all these, removing the fleas from the pet is maybe the easiest and simplest step given the many products especially designed to kill fleas that are available on the market.
Every female flea on the pet is likely to have laid eggs in the environment in which the pet lives. Therefore, effective prevention and control of flea infestations implies having removed the fleas from both indoor and outdoor environments, from all pets and also keeping immature forms of fleas from developing.
Removing the flea in indoor environments mainly consists of removing the fleas mechanically. This can be done by a thorough vacuuming, especially in places where fleas are more likely to be found such as below drapes, the place where the pet sleeps and under furniture edges. It is estimated that vacuuming can remove up to 50% of flea eggs.[17] After vacuuming, one is recommended to use an especially designed product to kill the remaining fleas and to stop the development of eggs and larvae. These products are available on the market and may include carpet powders, sprays or foggers which contain adulticides and insect growth regulators.
Special attention should be paid to the dog's bedding. This should be washed every week; also the bed and surrounding areas should be treated with adulticides and insect growth regulators. Cleaning should be done at the same time in the cars, garage, pet carrier, basement or any other place where the dog is known to spend time.
Preventing flea infestations must include eliminating the parasites from the yard or kennel areas, the two places in which fleas are most likely to occur. Dog houses, patios or porches are some of the outdoor areas in which it is more likely to find fleas and those should be thoroughly cleaned. Fleas can also be carried by wild animals such as opossums, chipmunks and raccoons. One is recommended to discourage these wild animals from their property and pets by never feeding them.
Removing fleas from the pets is not a difficult task considering the advent of products that are available on the market and which are especially designed not only to kill fleas but also to offer protection from further infestations. The flea control products come in the shape of once-a-month topical, dog collars, sprays, dips, powders, shampoos or injectable and oral products. All these products contain an insecticide as an active ingredient which kills the fleas when coming into contact with them. Fleas absorb the insecticide which either paralyzes them or kills them.
A very important part of flea prevention is to persist with the same control measures for as long as possible. Even though the cleaning process was successful it is very likely that fleas in incipient stages still exist around the house or on the pet. The life cycle of fleas can take up to six months and that is why it is recommended to keep up with the prevention measures for as long as half a year.
References
- ^ "Dog flea (Ctenocephalides canis)". http://www.e-cleansing.com/dog-flea-ctenocephalides-canis/. Retrieved 2010-04-30.
- ^ a b c d "Dog Fleas". http://pethealth.petwellbeing.com/wiki/Dog_Fleas. Retrieved 2010-04-30.
- ^ a b "Order Siphonaptera - Fleas". http://www.kendall-bioresearch.co.uk/siphon.htm. Retrieved 2010-04-30.[dead link]
- ^ "Symptoms". https://health.google.com/health/ref/Fleas. Retrieved 2010-04-30.
- ^ "Treatment". https://health.google.com/health/ref/Fleas. Retrieved 2010-04-30.
- ^ "Advantix Flea Control Products". http://www.advantixdogs.com/flea.html. Retrieved 2010-05-26.
- ^ "EPA Fleas". http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/health/petproductseval.html. Retrieved 2010-07-18.
- ^ "Green Guide". http://www.simplesteps.org/greenpaws-products. Retrieved 2010-07-18.
- ^ "Flea Treatment News". http://fleacontrolsecrets.com/fleatreatment/flea-treatments-flea-remedies/flea-treatment-options/. Retrieved 2010-07-18.
- ^ "About Advantage Topical Solution". http://advantage.petparents.com/aboutAdvantage.cfm. Retrieved 2010-04-30.
- ^ "K9 Advantix Flea Control and Protection". http://www.advantixk9.com/flea.php. Retrieved 2010-04-30.
- ^ "Capstar". http://www.fleascontrol.com/capstar-flea.htm. Retrieved 2010-04-30.
- ^ "Program Flea Control". http://www.fleascontrol.com/program-flea-control.htm. Retrieved 2010-04-30.
- ^ "Revolution". https://www.revolution4dogs.com/default.aspx. Retrieved 2010-04-30.
- ^ "Biospot". http://www.fleascontrol.com/biospot.htm. Retrieved 2010-04-30.
- ^ "Sentinel". http://www.fleascontrol.com/biospot.htm. Retrieved 2010-04-30.
- ^ "Flea Control in the Indoor Environment". http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=2+2094&aid=591. Retrieved 2010-05-26.
External links
Categories:- Fleas
- Biting insects
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