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What are fleas and why should you care?
Is it really that risky?
Can you get sick from fleas?
What happens if your dog or home gets fleas?
What to do if you’ve touched a dog with fleas?
Should you avoid flea-ridden dogs?
Preventing fleas: Tips for pet owners
Uh oh! You've pet a dog with fleas? Don't worry, you should be fine but you need to make sure to follow some key steps to avoid getting a flea infestation. Scroll to find out!
Fleas are tiny, wingless insects that survive by feeding on the blood of animals, and they’re particularly fond of our furry friends. These little critters can be a nuisance, causing itching, irritation, and in some cases, even allergic reactions.
While fleas prefer animals like dogs and cats, they’re not entirely picky — if given the chance, they’ll happily bite humans too. However, it’s worth noting that fleas don’t usually live on humans. They might hop on for a quick snack, but we’re not their ideal long-term hosts.
Touching a dog with fleas doesn’t automatically mean you’ll end up infested. Fleas aren’t like germs that spread with a simple touch. They need to jump onto a new host to settle in, and since humans don’t have the thick fur they love, we’re not their first choice.
That said, if you pet a dog with fleas and then brush your hand through your own hair or touch your clothes, a flea or two might hitch a ride. It’s not likely they’ll stick around, but they could potentially hop onto your carpet or bedding and cause trouble later.
If the dog is absolutely crawling with fleas or has a heavy infestation, you might be at slightly higher risk of transferring fleas to your home environment. But in most cases, a quick stroke or pat is unlikely to lead to a full-blown flea invasion.
Fleas themselves aren’t necessarily dangerous to humans, but they can carry diseases. Though rare in the UK, fleas have been known to transmit infections such as bartonella (also known as cat scratch fever) and even tapeworms if accidentally ingested (yuck!). However, these cases are few and far between, and the odds of picking up something nasty from touching a flea-ridden dog are quite low.
If you have pets at home, there’s a chance that fleas could jump from the infested dog onto your own furry companions. And once fleas enter your home, they can multiply at an alarming rate. Fleas lay eggs in carpets, upholstery, and bedding, making it surprisingly easy for a minor problem to turn into a full-blown infestation.
A female flea can lay up to 50 eggs a day, which means that within a week or two, you could have a serious infestation on your hands. Lots of fleas tends to mean lots of hard work to get rid of them, if you are fighting a full blown infestation, try our proven method, the Itch Flea Eradication Kit to Get Rid Of Fleas and stop them from coming back!
If you’ve had a cuddle or a stroke with a dog that has fleas, don’t panic. Here’s a quick guide to stay one hop ahead:
Wash your hands. This is the simplest and most effective thing to do straight away. Warm water and soap will wash away any stray fleas that might be lingering.
Check your clothes. If the dog was heavily infested, give your clothes a quick once-over. Fleas are tiny but visible to the naked eye, and they’re usually dark brown or black.
Brush it off. If you’re worried, give yourself a quick shake or brush down, especially if you’ve been sitting or lying near the dog.
Be vigilant at home. If you have pets of your own, keep an eye out for excessive scratching or signs of fleas over the next few days. A flea comb can be useful to check their fur.
Hoover thoroughly. If you’re really concerned, a good vacuum around the house (especially where pets sleep) can help to eliminate any stray eggs or fleas before they become a problem.
Here’s the thing — dogs with fleas aren’t bad dogs. They’re just unlucky enough to have picked up some uninvited guests. Fleas can happen to any dog, even the most well-cared-for pooch. So, while it’s understandable to be cautious, avoiding a dog altogether just because of fleas might be a bit harsh.
If you know the dog well and the owner is actively treating the infestation, a quick stroke or friendly scratch is unlikely to cause much harm. However, if the dog seems particularly infested, it might be best to admire from afar to avoid any unwanted itching later.
If you’re a pet owner yourself, prevention is key. Keeping your pets up-to-date with flea treatments can save a lot of hassle in the long run. Here are our top tips:
Regular flea treatments
Use a vet-recommended flea treatment consistently, like the Itch Flea Treatment for Dogs which kills all adult fleas on your pet within 24 hours, halts all other life stages and stops any new fleas from joining the party.
Hoover and wash
Regularly hoovering carpets and washing pet bedding (at a high heat!) helps eliminate any flea eggs or larvae lurking around.
Check for fleas
A flea comb is a handy tool to check your pet’s fur for fleas or flea dirt. We’d recommend checking after play-dates with another dog and woodland walks.
In most cases, it’s perfectly fine to touch a dog with fleas — just be mindful of the situation. A quick stroke is unlikely to lead to a flea invasion, but if the dog looks like it’s got a serious case, it’s best to err on the side of caution. Wash your hands, stay alert, and maybe save those cuddles for another day.
So next time you meet a flea-ridden furry friend, you can make a well-informed decision — and hopefully, avoid bringing home any unwanted guests!
Fleas, ticks and lice can be a nightmare, but with the right approach, you can take control and rid your pets and home of these bothersome pests. Remember that parasites can be persistent, so patience and regular treatment will be your best friends! By addressing both your pet and their environment, you can ensure a flea-free and comfortable living space for both your furry companion and your family.
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