Where and When Do Fleas Appear?

Fleas are a dog owner’s nightmare. If you have a dog, you probably feel the panic as you see your dog scratching with such a degree of determination. While the first thing that pops into your mind is the question of whether your dog has fleas, you should know that they are not the only reason your dog is feeling itchy. Skin allergies, dander, dust, and dryness can also trigger itchy skin. Also, a dog’s skin can feel itchy without any obvious reasons, just as it happens when our skin feels itchy.

Still, getting back to our fleas issue, why do they appear, when do they appear, and what can be done to get rid of them for good? Both future and present dog owners may be interested in this aspect. The last things you want in your house are fleas or other types of pests. While dogs and cats are the main vectors that can introduce fleas into a home, you can also be the reason, carrying them inside the house on your shoes or clothes. They are very small insects that are drawn to warmth, so you won’t notice is one is using you as a transportation mean. To stay well protected against fleas, both you and your dog, it’s worth acquiring useful information about where and when fleas appear.

When and where do fleas appear?

As mentioned earlier, fleas love warmth. The best part about having a dog around is that fleas will always prefer the dog in your place because a dog’s body temperature is higher than a human’s temperature. Still, if the fleas multiply to considerable numbers, they will start looking for more food and territories to explore, and they won’t be picky. They will take any warm-blooded creature that comes in their way. This is why you need to stay safe at all times.

Regarding the time of the year when fleas are usually most active, it’s worth knowing that the summer is their favorite time. Heatwaves in the warm season are making things worse, leading to spikes in the flea population. However, this doesn’t mean that fleas aren’t around for the rest of the year’s months. If you live in areas where the climate is mild during the cold season, there are high chances to spot fleas in winter as well. So, never leave your guard down when it comes to fleas.

Conditions that are favorable for fleas

The ideal temperature for fleas to thrive is ranging from 70 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Still, fleas can survive at lower temperatures without a problem, so you shouldn’t underestimate them. However, very high temperatures will eradicate both the fleas and their eggs. So, in case you find fleas on your dog, washing its bed and belongings at high temperatures and drying them in the drier is a good way to get rid of them fast. If you live in areas where fleas and ticks are a nuisance, drying all your clothes at high temperatures is recommended to make sure none survived a cycle in the washing machine.

High humidity

Both fleas and ticks enjoy high humidity. This is why they are usually found in environments with elevated humidity, of up to 70%. Thus, staying hidden in the grass at ground level, under dead leaves, moss, in the shade of the woods, or bushes will ensure the humidity they need. Unlike fleas, ticks will climb on taller vegetation, like high grass or branches of a bush, to find a host. If they get hot and dehydrated, they will go back in the bush or on the soil, where humidity is better.

Keep your grass trimmed

Fleas and ticks alike enjoy the shade and are seriously affected by the sunlight, heat, and lack of moisture. So, if you want to remove the chance for these bugs to dwell around your house, make sure to keep the grass short, remove bushes, trim trees, and consider getting rid of decorative elements, such as rocks and anything else that may create shade.fl

Will they be gone during the winter?

There’s a general belief that fleas don’t like the cold. While they are not that active during the cold season, both fleas and ticks represent a danger even in the cold winter months. You cannot afford to leave your dog without protection because these are opportunistic bugs and will hop onto a host as soon as they sense it. Once on the dog, a flea will hold on as much as it can. This is why spot-on treatments are most effective, although repelling products are also good, as preventive measures.

So, the main idea is that protection against fleas and ticks is required throughout the entire year. Considering that they can transmit serious diseases, besides being bothering and trigger unpleasant reactions, you need to apply the right kind of treatment on your dog every month of the year.

Final thoughts…

If you’re scared to get a dog because you’re scared of fleas, you don’t have to feel this way. There are effective treatments, including  , that will help get rid of fleas and ticks as soon as they hop on your dog. In case you do want to get a puppy, start looking for it because fleas and ticks can be managed effectively with the right

This guest post was written by Premier Pups, who offer adorable puppies and lots of great pooch-related advice.

 

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