Caring for dogs: the lifecycle of a flea
If you understand the life cycle of a flea it can help you to choose the correct products to deal with any infestation of fleas on your dog quickly and efficiently.
Adult fleas can jump onto your dog and feed for two or three days. In that time one flea can lay up to twenty eggs per day. A percentage of the eggs will fall off the dog onto carpets and other areas in the home environment.
The eggs will develop and hatch as larvae. Larvae are mobile and can creep up settees and curtains to feed on any organic debris that is around. The next step is that the larvae will grow large enough to change into pupae.
Pupae can remain dormant for months until they find a nice warm body, which is where your dog comes in.
The pupae will then emerge as the host and change into adult fleas and the cycle is off again.
There are a wide range of products available for treating dog fleas and it is advisable to research which is the correct one for your dog. Adult dogs and puppies will require different products.
Don’t forget to wash or replace your dogs bedding regularly, especially after they have been treated for fleas.
Warning: if the symptoms persist without any improvement see a local veterinary surgeon.
