Krystlelynne’s Weblog

Have you ever woke up in the morning with random insect bites on your skin? And then you roll over and hopefully it’s not your husband/boyfriend that gave you these pesky bites. But roll over a little more and there lies your dog, the flea carrying mutt that you love so much.

Most people know that dogs can have fleas, but beyond that, these pesky insects remain mysterious.

Fleas have three pair of legs, for a total of six legs. The last pair of legs provide the insect with an incredible jumping ability.

Fleas, a brownish mahogany color, are described as slightly smaller than a sesame seed. Yum, doesn’t that just make you hungry?

The flea’s antenna senses heat, vibration and shadows, which tells the creepy crawler that a meal is near.

There are five types of fleas, all with a preferred animal as a host. However, the common denominator, all five types will feed on dogs.

Xenopsylla cheopis, known as the “rat flea,” is responsible for carrying the bubonic plague. Yes, the plague that was known as “black death” and responsible for the death of 200 million people during the Middle Ages. Don’t let the name “rat flea” fool you. This flea will feed on dogs, cats and humans.

Echidnophaga gallinacea, also known as the tropical hen flea and sticktight flea prefers to feed on birds. However, it doesn’t mind dogs either.

Pulex irritans is known as the human flea. Let me say that again, yes the human flea. Dogs and pigs also join this flea party too.

The last two types of fleas, know as Ctenocephalides felis and canis, are the most common pesky creatures to crawl around. Felis, implies that these fleas prefer a cat as a host, but on the contrary, they are found mostly on canines.

Canis, the dog flea, is the flea you are most likely to get when you are sharing the bed with your four-legged friend. This flea also feeds on cats and humans.

So how do you know if you or your dog has fleas?

An irritation from the flea saliva will give you or your dog an itchy, red area. The best way to detect fleas is to examine your dog’s butt and head using a flea comb.

If fleas are found in groups, anemia can be a result. If anemia occurs in a puppy or kitten, the reaction could end it death. Fleas also bring other not so nice gifts along with them, such as tapeworm and parasites.

So now that you have all the information on these creepy crawlers, lets hope your mate/spouse isn’t the carrier.