Dog owners are being warned to keep an eye on their pets this summer to ensure they aren’t being bothered by a common pest.
The summer is notorious as the peak time for fleas to run riot in the UK.
They can multiply fast, with one female laying 50 eggs per day, meaning within three weeks your four legged friend could be home to 1000 fleas.
This is everything you need to know about fleas, including how to keep your cat or dog free of them.
How common are fleas in the UK?
There are 62 species of flea in the UK, the most common being the cat flea or Ctenocephalides felis.
The flea life cycle has four stages: egg, larva, pupa and adult flea. The entire cycle is typically complete in 3-4 weeks, but this can be quicker (12-22 days) if temperatures are ideal.
Each adult female flea can lay up to 20 eggs per day on your pet’s coat – and these eggs fall off wherever your pet lies.
Flea eggs are almost invisible to the naked eye, while flea larvae are even harder to spot, often hiding in dark and hard-to-reach areas.
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Fleas are able to jump long distances and they can easily move between your pets and your home.
Surprisingly, only around 5% of a flea infestation is made up of adult fleas on your dog or cat’s fur, whereas 95% is in typically your home as eggs, larvae and pupae.
How can you treat fleas?
The most effective way to control flea infestations is to treat your pet directly all year round with a vet-approved product. Prevention is always better than cure.
If you do discover you have a flea problem, it is important to treat both your cat or dog AND your home.
Everything your dog or cat comes into contact with in your home (and car if applicable) should be treated; otherwise, it is inevitable that the fleas will come back.
What health issues can fleas cause?
When fleas bite, they suck out blood and inject saliva into the bloodstream, which is what causes the most common symptom – itchy skin.
In some animals this can become so intense that they end up with skin infections, hair loss and scabs and sores.
In severe cases, smaller animals such as kittens or puppies, can even die from anaemia due to the blood loss caused by the fleas feeding.
Fleas can also transmit worm eggs to pets, causing them to have upset tummies and weight loss.
6 top tips to keep your dogs flea free this summer
Pet expert Chris Socratous, from Bob Martin, had these top tips for helping your dog survive flea season.
- Check your pet regularly
- Keep your carpets clean
- Maintain your lawns
- Keep your pet's bed clean
- Keep your soft furnishings clean
- Bathe your dog
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