There are over 2,000 different types of fleas. In one month a female flea can lay down over 25,000 eggs.

When it comes to hosts for the fleas, most fleas will pick the family dog. If there is no dog present than the fleas will go to another family pet. If all else fails the fleas will then move to the humans in the house for food.

As with all fleas, the dog fleas one source of food is blood. Although not equipped with wings, dog fleas are capable of jumping large distances and hitching a ride on a passing dog. Once the dog flea lands on the host animal, it starts to feed. Mating will then occur and the female dog flea will lay her eggs right on the host animal.The eggs do not stay in place long, and quickly drop off on the ground. Fleas have been found to be responsible for the spread of the Black Plague throughout history.

Prevention Tips in Dealing with the Dog Flea

As with all fleas, prevention is key. Fleas can quickly spread and once they have gained access to your home, they burrow down into the nape of the carpet, hide in the baseboards and cracks in your home and attack you and your animals by leaving red, itchy bumps where they bite.

When a flea bites you, it is their saliva that you are reacting to, not the bite itself. Allergic dermatitis is one reaction that animals get from flea bites, depending on how well they can tolerate the infestation.

Advantage- Frontline- Revolution are all products to consider using on your pets along with your vet's assistance. If the infestation is severe, take the animal into the vet for a flea bath under a controlled situation. This way, if there is a problem, veterinary assistance is close at hand.

Keep your dog groomed. Keep a flea comb on hand at all time. And don't be fooled by the name Dog Flea, cats can pick them up as well, so can hamsters, rats and rabbits and ferrets.

If your home is infested with fleas, your best recourse is to contact your vet and find out if he handles any flea-specific foggers for your home. He should also carry area flea spray that you can use on the bedding, inside the dog house and the other resting places of your pet. Don't forget to remove all the cushions on your couches and chairs and spray underneath the cushions well.