09-09-2008, 05:33 PM
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Pet Forums VIP Member
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Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 5,734
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Re: fleas, HELP!!
Info on fleas for you
What is the difference between Dog fleas and Cat Fleas?
Although one is called a dog flea and one is called a cat flea you won't be able to tell the difference without the aid of a microscope.
The most common flea found on dogs and cats is the cat flea.
It is a misconception that dogs only have dog fleas and cats only have cat fleas.
It has been reported that 95% of fleas found on dogs and cats are cat fleas
Dog fleas are rarely found in the United States.
What are Human Fleas? Pulex irritans
Perhaps we should call Human fleas Pig fleas as they are most often found on pigs. People who work with pigs on a farm are much more likely to pick up human fleas. Human fleas are not common these days. In the usual domestic situation problems are usually caused by cat fleas.
Fleas do not usually live on humans although they certainly bite them!
Which type of fleas bite humans?
It is usually the cat flea that will attack humans. Most flea bites affect the lower legs of humans. Some people are very sensitive to flea bites and can have an allergic reaction to them.
What is the best treatment for flea bites?
Try not to scratch the bites. Very hard not to I know.
Use Calamine lotion or anesthetic creams
Apply an ice pack.
Talk to your pharmacist about taking an antihistamine.
Wash the bites with antiseptic soap to reduce the risk of infection.
See your doctor if the flea bites get infected.
Suspect fleas if you see your pet scratching. You can inspect your cat or dog for fleas by examining near the base of the tail. You may not see a flea but if your pet has fleas you will see evidence of them by the presence of flea dirt.
Flea dirt is flea excrement. It appears as black specks like grains of sand. If you blot these grains with a wet tissue or cotton wool you will notice reddy brown staining on the tissue.
Another way to detect flea dirt is to stand your pet on a white fabric such as a pillow case or on a white piece of paper and comb or brush your cat. If your cat or dog has fleas then the tell tale black specks will be found on the white fabric or paper.
HERES A LINK FOR GETTING RID OF THEM
How to Get Rid of Fleas - House and Pets
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