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Learn everything you need to know about fleas, tiny but relentlessly itchy creatures.
Surprising facts about fleas, their impact on pets, and simple ways to protect your furry friends during flea season.
Summer is just around the corner—and for pet owners, that means flea season is, too. These tiny pests are infamous for causing itching, irritation, and discomfort for pets, but there’s much more to fleas than meets the eye. According to The Old Farmer’s Almanac for Kids, Volume 3, fleas are surprisingly powerful, resilient, and historically significant insects. Here are some fascinating flea facts that may just change the way you think about these persistent parasites.
Amazing (and Alarming) Flea Facts
- Fleas can pull 160,000 times their own weight, making them incredibly strong for their size.
- Cat and dog fleas are very similar, but cat fleas are more common in North America and can live on both cats and dogs.
- Fleas can jump 150 times their own length, vertically and horizontally—equivalent to a human jumping about 1,000 feet.
- The average flea lives 2 to 3 months.
- As carriers of the plague, fleas have killed more people than all wars combined.
- Fleas are covered in backward-pointing bristles and spines, which is why removing them from fur is so difficult.
- Fleas do not have ears and are virtually blind.
- Fleas can jump 30,000 times without stopping, reversing direction with every jump.
- Tiny black specks found on your pet’s bedding are flea droppings, a clear sign of an infestation.
How to Get Rid of Fleas on Pets
To free a pet of fleas, give them a thorough shampoo, lathering for at least 15 minutes, then rinse and dry completely. This process may need to be repeated several times. Be sure to wash pet bedding and vacuum all areas of the home your pet frequents. Learn more about how to get rid of fleas.
If fleas persist, contact your veterinarian for additional treatment options.
Keep Pets Flea-Free This Summer
Fleas may be small, but they pack a powerful punch—both in strength and in the problems they cause for pets. Knowing the signs of fleas and understanding how they behave can help you act quickly and protect your furry companions. With regular grooming, cleaning, and prompt treatment, you can keep fleas under control and ensure your pets enjoy a happy, itch-free summer outdoors.
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