Did you know there are more than 2,000 types of fleas? All of them have their own preferred chomping grounds, whether it is your dog, or even you. While most types of fleas prefer dogs as a host, many people wonder if they can get fleas from their dogs and how flea bites can be treated.
Can Humans Get Fleas From Dogs?
Yes, humans can get fleas from dogs. Fleas, like the Ctenocephalides Canis, won’t live on humans, but they are known to jump onto you from your dog and bite you.
Although they have been known to live in attics, barns, and grassy fields, fleas especially prefer living within the animal’s environment.
There are close to 2000 species of fleas, some of which can infect both humans and pets. The most common pest found on our canine companions is Ctenocephalides Canis, otherwise known as the dog or cat flea.
Flea eggs look like white dots that are extremely sticky so they tend to stick to the animal’s hair and fur. These critters don’t have wings, so they jump from host to host and feast on blood by biting the skin.
How Fleas Affect Humans
Human flea bites tend to be raised with itchy red bumps that look a lot like mosquito bites.
While typical symptoms of flea bites manifest, such as itching, allergic reactions to the bites can also occur in some people.
It is important to know whether any members of your family are allergic to flea bites so you can prevent a skin outbreak from occurring. Thankfully, treatment for flea allergy exists and is easy to administer.
How to Treat Bites from Fleas
To treat itchy bite marks on your body, you can use over-the-counter products such as hydrocortisone creams.
It is also effective to use calamine lotion to soothe the itching and bumps. Although these products are very effective, they typically contain chemicals that can irritate some people’s skin.
You can also try natural treatments that will still relieve your symptoms. Local application of Boric Acid to the bitten area is an effective form of treatment that relies on bacterial fermentation.
The purpose of this treatment is to stop the growth of bacteria, gram-positive bacteria, in particular, that can cause secondary infections.
Baking Soda in a small bowl is one way to make Boric Acid at home. You can apply it directly or mix it with a carrier oil such as coconut oil.
While some people are allergic to Boric Acid, any reaction will disappear with time and exposure to more of the product.
How do Fleas Get into My Home?
Fleas can get inside by hopping onto your pet or through a door or window. They also can live anywhere where the temperature is warm and humid, such as near beds, carpets, and upholstered furniture.
Can fleas live on furniture?
If you have a puppy, it is very common for fleas to infest the fur of these pets. They may be living on the furniture, too. In order to get rid of the fleas in your home, you will need to vacuum and steam clean your carpets and upholstered furniture.
Can fleas live in your bed?
If your dog is infested with fleas, it is possible for them to spread to your bed or anywhere else that dog has spent time.
To prevent this, vacuum your mattress using an upholstery attachment to get rid of all the fleas and eggs.
How to Prevent Flea Infestations in Your Home
By following some simple steps to keep your home flea-free you will ensure that your dog has a spotless house to sleep in and a safe place to play. Ideally, your home should be free of any fleas that can get inside.
Here are some steps to follow:
1.) Wash your dog
Firstly, wash your dog from head to toe using flea shampoo and other products designed to kill fleas.
2.) Clean the carpets
Use flea spray in between the carpeting to kill any fleas that may be living inside the house and prevent any new ones from coming in.
3.) Wash your dog’s bedding
Wash all your dog’s bedding and toys to get rid of any fleas hiding within them.
4.) Coat flea hotspots with flea spray
Heavily coat areas such as near your home’s doors and windows with flea spray, especially if you see your dog coming in contact with these areas.
5.) Wash The Furniture Covering
Remove any furniture covering that may be made of fabric and wash them in hot, soapy water to kill all the fleas within it.
Bonus Tip
Fleas are very sensitive to strong smells, and they hate the smells from essential oils. This means that it is a good idea to use a mixture of essential oils and citrus to help repel fleas from your home naturally.
Natural Home Remedies for Flea Treatments
1.) Vinegar
When dealing with fleas, vinegar is a great solution. The acidic nature of vinegar can kill fleas within 24 hours when sprayed directly on them. To prevent flea infestations, mix equal parts of vinegar and warm water and sprinkle it on your carpets and rugs about once a month.
2.) Dish Soap
Mix dish soap with water in a spray bottle to kill fleas. You can use this liquid on furniture as well as carpeted areas.
3.) Salt
Salt will kill flea eggs by dehydrating them. Sprinkle salt on your carpets and rugs about once a month to prevent any flea infestations from occurring.
4.) Citrus Sprays
A mixture of vinegar, lemon juice, and water can create a natural flea spray that is a great home remedy. To make this spray, add two tablespoons of each solution to one cup of water in a spray bottle.
5.) Rosemary
Rosemary is an antibacterial herb and can kill fleas easily. Sprinkle a layer of rosemary on your carpets and rugs to repel fleas from your home.
Flea Treatment for Dogs
While being bitten by fleas is annoying and uncomfortable, the real risks come from your dog becoming infected with a specific type of bacteria.
Although it may only appear as a minor infection in the early stages, if left untreated it can lead to serious illnesses such as anemia.
Dog owners have many options available to help prevent and control flea infestations depending on how bad the problem is.
Flea treatment products are available over-the-counter at pet stores or through online stores.
Conclusion
Fleas enjoy jumping from host to host, feeding on their blood. Dogs tend to be the preferred hosts for fleas since they are so easy to find and relatively large. Fleas can move quickly and easily, so it’s easy to hop on a new dog.
However, without proper flea prevention, dogs can get so infested that they will share these guests with their owners.
