• Fleas are the most common external parasite of pets.
• The average adult flea lays 27eggs/day, which then drop off the pet into the environment. Meaning one flea can lay over 2,000 eggs in their lifetime.
• Adult fleas will feed and mate within 24 hours and then produce eggs within 36-48 hours.
• Fleas are easily passed from one animal to another anywhere pets are in close proximity – eg. groomers, boarding facilities, or doggie day care.
• Dogs and cats can be allergic to flea saliva – it is a common skin disease, making them extremely itchy, sometimes to the point of causing open sores or secondary skin infections.
• Adult fleas need a constant blood source to survive, and therefore will not survive long off a host/pet.
• The larval Stage is the free living stage which feeds on organic debris and flea feces usually lasting 5-11 days .
• Larvae eventually spin cocoons (often within carpet fibres) for pupation.
• Pupae are resistant to freezing, desiccation, and insecticides.
• Pupae can lie dormant for many months in the house; they are stimulated to expupate as adults by vibration, warming and increased carbon dioxide.
• Normally, expupation occurs when a pet is near and the new flea finds the pet within seconds of emergence.
• Transmission and development can continue indoors during winter months, making fleas a year-round threat for many pet owners.
• Some flea products bought at retail outlets are toxic to cats.
• Today, veterinarians have some great flea control products in their arsenal. There are now several highly efficacious, long lasting and very safe products to choose amongst.

Keep your friend flea-free! Call your veterinarian for more information.