Characteristics

• Fleas are tiny, blood sucking insects that do not fly but instead move by jumping. They live off of blood and tend to colonize on furred animals. Their reproduction cycle takes just a couple of weeks to produce a mature flea.
  
  

Effects

• When a dog is exposed to fleas and not protected from them, the fleas will make themselves at home in the dog's fur and begin to reproduce. This can be uncomfortable for the dog because every time a flea bites it irritates the skin, causing an itchy reaction.
  
  

Severe Reactions

• Some dogs, like humans, have a tendency to be severely allergic to flea bites. A single flea can trigger a dog to scratch off his fur and even draw blood. These animals need to be put under veterinary supervision and medicated with steroids to help their allergy. Severe flea infestation can cause anemia which could possibly lead to death. Fleas can also lead to tape worms if a dog ingests them. Generally this happens when dogs scratch themselves with their teeth.
  
  

Misconception

• Even if your dog is the only pet you have and primarily lives inside, she can still get fleas. Fleas live in the ground and can come into your home on your clothes. If your dog comes into contact with another flea-bearing animal for just a moment she can get fleas.
  
  

Prevention/Solution

• The best flea prevention are the products distributed by your veterinarian, such as Frontline or Advantage. Household parasite bombs are great to kill any fleas that may be living in your home, but be very careful to follow the instructions.
  
  

Geography

• The worst area for fleas is wherever it is warm. In colder climates fleas show up as soon as it is warm.