HOME / DOGS / ASKED, ANSWERED AND EXPLAINED: CAN DOG FLEAS LIVE ON HUMANS?
Asked, Answered and Explained: Can Dog Fleas Live On Humans?
Watching a dog biting itself and spinning erratically is one of those moments when you wonder what's wrong with it. Once you realize that is because Fido has fleas, usually a more concerning question pop-ups in most people's heads - can I get dog fleas?
What follows is an explanation and a definitive answer to the question whether it is possible for dog fleas to live on humans.
#1: Can A Dog Flea Live On A Human?
#2: Why Do We Fear Dog Fleas?
#3: But What If A Flea Bites Me?
#4: How To Avoid Getting Bitten?
Can A Dog Flea Live On A Human?
The answer to whether fleas can live on humans is a simple NO.
Dog fleas cannot live on humans. This has been supported by extensive scientific research such as:
https://ento.psu.edu/extension/factsheets/fleas
https://www.ct.gov/caes/cwp/view.asp?a=2815&q=376710
They can accidentally end up on a human. They can even take a bite and suck some blood from the human. But that's where it all stops as it seems that they don't like humans too much. Some experts think that's because we have lesser hair than the dogs, while others believe there are also other features that contribute to that.
In any case, breathe easy as dog fleas can't live on humans.
Why Do We Fear Dog Fleas?
Many people fear dog fleas because they think that all fleas are the same and they would cling at anything, whether it is an animal or a human. However, the truth is quite the opposite. There are over 2200 kinds of fleas. And only one kind lives on a human. That kind is way different than the one commonly found on dogs and cats. They are similar in size and shape, but they don't share the same host affection.
Dog fleas can easily migrate from one to another pet or animal, but the idea of living on a human is not that appealing to them. So, the only one real danger from dog fleas in your home is your other pets, that is if you have any other than your dog. For example, a cat, a hamster, or a domestic can easily get fleas from one another.
But What If A Flea Bites Me?
Nothing. You may feel it, and there might be a red mark around the part where you are bitten, but that's it.
You don't need to take any action or see a doctor for now. Observe that area for 48 hours and monitor if there are any signs of discomfort. There should be no real danger. There is no medical record of a dog flea transmitting any disease to a human, not in a way that a mosquito can.
So aside from the sting and a little red mark that will vanish after a while, there is no need to be concerned about it.
How To Avoid Getting Bitten?
If you suspect that your dog has fleas, you need to wear gloves when combing your dog or when giving it a bath. Also, you need to put all of its belongings like blanket and toys in the washing machine so they will be appropriately cleaned from fleas and even fleas larvae.
Also, be sure to bathe your dog with a flea shampoo too. Flea shampoos are a Flea Shampoos are a quick and effective method to killing those pesky fleas from your dog's fur.
In case you got bitten by one, as mentioned earlier, there is no need to worry about it as the small mark will vanish on its own. But to make sure that you don't have any fleas larvae or a flea stuck on you should take a quick shower. The water will rinse it off easily and without any problem.
There is no room for concern as dog fleas don't like to cling to humans. Only one kind of flea can live in human hair, and that's not the one that is found with dogs. Worst case scenario you can be bitten by one. But that's where they stop and look for four-legged targets instead.
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