Dog fleas (Ctenocephalides canis), tiny wingless bugs, are external parasites. They live by slurping the blood of hosts, mainly dogs, but also cats, other animals, and even humans.
What They Look Like: Dog fleas are reddish-brown, about 1 – 3 mm long, with strong legs for big jumps.
Life Cycle: They go through four steps – egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Adults live on your pet; eggs and larvae grow in places like carpets and bedding.
Why They’re a Nuisance: Their bites make pets itchy and irritated, and can cause allergic skin problems. They can also carry diseases, like tapeworms, which can hit both pets and people.
- What if a flea gets in a person’s ear?
Right Away: If a flea does, you might feel:
Super itchy or ticklish.
Pain if it bites or wriggles in your ear canal.
Rarely, you could get an infection.
What to Do:
Gently rinse your ear with warm water. Don’t use sharp things to fish it out.
If it still bothers you, see a doctor. They’ll get the flea out safely and handle any infection. - What about when a flea bites someone?
How Flea Bites Look on Humans:
Small, red, itchy bumps, often in a bunch or a line.
Swelling or a rash if you’re sensitive to flea spit.
Risk of infection if you scratch too much.
Health Worries:
Allergic Reactions: Some people get hives or crazy itching.
Disease Spread: Fleas can pass on stuff like:
Tapeworms: If you accidentally swallow a flea with tapeworm eggs, you could get sick.
Murine Typhus: Rare, but possible in flea-ridden areas.
Secondary Infections: Scratched bites can let bacteria into your skin.
Treatment for Bites:
Wash the spot with soap and water.
Put on some anti-itch cream or hydrocortisone.
Take antihistamines if you have allergy symptoms.
Get medical help if there’s swelling, pain, or infection.