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Dog Flea found on the family pet
Photograph copyright: ozwildlife - all rights reserved. Used with permission.
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Dog Flea found on the family pet
Photograph copyright: ozwildlife - all rights reserved. Used with permission.
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DOG FLEA FACTS |
Identification
Dog Fleas are small reddish brown wingless insects with tube-like mouthparts for feeding on the blood of their hosts. Their bodies are flattened to make it easy for them to travel through hair. The body is hard and has hairs and spines. They have long hindlegs adapted for jumping.
Size
2mm
Habitat
lives amongst dog fur
Food
adult dog fleas feeds on blood of their host. larvae feed on organic matter including the feces of mature fleas
Breeding
Fleas lay small white oval eggs. The larvae are small, eyeless and worm-like covered in bristles. The larvae pupate in a silk, debris covered cocoon.
Notes
Fleas can be controlled by using products such as Frontline or Advantage. Brushing, combing and washing with shampoo all help in getting rid of fleas, but is not a complete solution. Cheap flea shampoo can reduce the effectiveness of treatments such as Frontline by washing oils from the coat.
Classification
| Class: | Insecta | | Order: | Siphonaptera | | Family: | Pulicidae | | Genus: | Ctenocephalides | | Species: | canis | | Common Name: | Dog Flea |
Relatives in same Genus
Cat Flea (C. felis)
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