Can dog and cat fleas live on us humans?
It’s a scary thing to think about, but is it really possible? Find out here…
Pet owners get a cold shiver when the word ‘flea’ comes up.
For many, it is a worst nightmare situation and will leave you scratching imaginary itches for days.
While nobody wants to be around fleas, the question remains: Can fleas live on humans?
The short answer is… no.
Yes, they can bite you, but your cat or dog will always be their preferred host, so you don’t have to worry about that aspect... well, unless you are related to Bigfoot.
Fleas will more often than not simply use us as a “carrier” while waiting for a more suitable host.
The reason for this is that our blood is not as nutritious to fleas as that of animals, while reproducing without the protection of fur is difficult for them.
Fleas can also infest our homes by laying their eggs on your pet, which fall into the environment, onto furniture, and on the carpet; these eggs can lay dormant before hatching into larvae and developing into adult fleas.
READ: How to protect your dogs from ticks
What if I get bitten by a flea?
Fleas aren’t the only things that bite humans, so don’t automatically turn to fleas should you find an itchy red spot on your skin.
These are the ways in which flea bites usually appear on humans:
- A small scab on your skin that has a light red ‘halo’
- Very small red marks around a central red spot
- Clusters of red bite marks that have swollen in a similar way to mozzie bites
- Bites on your ankles and legs, in particular
Should you be concerned, please consult a medical professional.
READ: The two most common tick-borne diseases in South Africa
How do I protect my pet and home from fleas?
While fleas are common pests, you can protect your fur babies by using preventative measures such as Credelio.
Credelio is an oral medication for the prevention and treatment of ticks and fleas.
Credelio starts killing fleas within 2 hours from administration, with fleas being eliminated within 6 hours. Credelio has an onset effect within 4 hours against pre-existing tick infestations and 8 hours against newly acquired ticks for the entire month.
Credeliio's active ingredient, lotilaner, is a member of the isoxazoline family, a novel class of parasiticides that target nerve receptors of ticks and fleas for powerful protection.
Find out more about Credelio HERE.
READ: The life cycle of ticks and fleas
Disclaimer: Pet health-related information provided in this article is not a substitute for veterinary advice and should not be used to diagnose or treat your pet’s health problems. It is always advisable to consult with your vet on any health-related issues.
This article is sponsored by Credelio
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