Fleas are small, wingless insects known for their exceptional jumping ability and irritating bite. More than just a nuisance, fleas can cause health problems for your pet, including itching, allergies, skin infections, and the transmission of infectious or parasitic diseases, some of which can be transmitted to humans. Here’s how to keep your pet safe from fleas and how to treat a flea problem.
What do fleas look like?
Fleas are small and very quick moving, making them hard to spot. To the human eye, fleas look like little dark red or brownish ovals with legs underneath. If you see a flea, be prepared for it to jump or crawl away quickly.
Sometimes, you might not see the fleas themselves, but you may see evidence of them in the form of ‘flea dirt’ (flea faeces), which looks like regular dirt on your pet. The way to tell the difference is to place some on a wet tissue – flea dirt will stain the tissue red.
What do flea bites look like?
Check your dog’s skin carefully for signs of scratching or redness. These signs can indicate a flea infestation, although there are many other causes of skin disease, so it’s always best to consult your vet. Flea bites often appear as a red, bumpy rash, especially on the belly, groin, or base of the tail.
Can humans get fleas?
While fleas prefer their animal host, you and your family will likely get bitten if you have a heavy household infestation. Although fleas are unlikely to live on humans as they do on pets, they can transmit diseases such as cat flea typhus, which is another reason to maintain good flea control for your pets.
How do pets get fleas?
Pets typically get fleas from a contaminated environment, which could be indoors or outdoors. Fleas often hide in grass or outdoor spots, waiting for a host. It is possible for a flea to jump directly from one pet to another, but most fleas stick with a host once they find it. Fleas usually enter your home on an already infested pet, and just a few fleas can quickly lead to a full-blown infestation.
How can you tell if your pet has fleas?
If you see a flea or flea dirt on your dog or cat or its bedding, you can be sure there are more. Fleas can sometimes be hard to spot, so here’s a list of signs to look for.
- Scratching: This is the obvious one. The presence of fleas and their bites irritates the skin, so if your pet is scratching and gnawing at its skin more than you might expect, it may have fleas. There are various causes of scratching, so be sure to speak to your vet if they continue to scratch.
- Hair loss: Hair loss due to excessive scratching and grooming may be seen in some pets, particularly around the back legs and tail base.
- Irritated skin: Your pet’s skin may be red and sore because of their flea infestation. Pets with flea allergy dermatitis may also develop secondary skin infections.
- Pale gums: The loss of blood from a severe infestation of fleas can cause anaemia, resulting in pale gums. Anaemia due to fleas is rare, typically only seen in young puppies and kittens with very heavy flea infestations.
How to get rid of fleas on dogs and cats
Getting rid of fleas on pets takes a combination of treating your pet, your home, and the environment. The first step is to use a vet-recommended flea treatment, such as a monthly chew, topical spot-on, flea collar or an annual injection.
These products kill adult fleas and, in many cases, also target flea eggs and larvae to break the life cycle. Regular bathing with a gentle flea shampoo and daily combing with a flea comb can also help remove fleas and soothe your pet’s skin. It’s important to treat every pet in the household, even if only one seems affected, as fleas can easily spread.
How to get rid of fleas in your house
Fleas don’t just live on your pet — they also hide in carpets, bedding, and furniture, waiting to jump back onto your furry friends. Follow these tips for a flea-free house:
- Wash bedding regularly: Use hot water and dry on high heat or in the sun to kill flea eggs and larvae.
- Mow grass and remove leaves: Keep your grass short and remove any piles of leaves or garden clippings.
- Vacuum carpets regularly: Vacuum carpets and rugs, especially in pet areas.
- Cover outdoor garbage bins: Prevent native animals from bringing fleas and ticks onto your property.
By combining regular preventive treatments with a clean, well-managed home, you can stop fleas in their tracks — keeping your pets comfortable, itch-free, and healthy year-round.
