Can Domesticated Animals such as Dogs Transmit Fleas to Humans?
Can Humans Contract Fleas from Dogs?
Featuring an abundance of fur and warm bodies, dogs can unintentionally become a leading source of fleas, a common menace for canines, but can humans also fall prey to these unwanted parasites?
While fleas are commonly associated with our beloved pets, they can indeed pose a threat to humans if proper preventative measures are not taken. The cat flea, Ctenocephalides felis, is the predominant flea species in the United States, with a penchant for both cats and dogs as hosts. Although humans are not the preferred choice for these pests, their presence does not deter them from infesting humans, particularly if no other mammals are available.
The Route of Transmission
When a dog is infested with fleas, these parasites may jump from the pet onto human skin and bite. Alternatively, fleas can take up residence within the home environment, such as carpets, bedding, or furniture cracks and crevices, and subsequently find their way onto a human. Similarly, fleas can lay eggs in these areas, which hatch and develop into biting insects.
Living Conditions for Fleas
While fleas do not establish a permanent residence on humans, their bites can be bothersome, easy to spot, and often itchy. Unlike dogs, humans lack fur or feathers that provide fleas with an ideal hiding spot and the meal they need to mature and lay viable eggs. However, fleas can sometimes hide under clothing and repeatedly bite a human, though this is less common.
Fleas and Hair
It is uncommon for fleas to infest human hair. Since fleas typically jump to and feed on areas as high as the ankles before being noticed, most bites occur on the feet, ankles, or skin folds. As a result, human bodies are usually free of flea droppings (flea dirt) due to the combination of quick reactions to bites and fleas' inability to remain on humans long enough for this to occur.
Bites on Humans: Identification and Symptoms
Flea bites in humans usually manifest as small, itchy marks in clusters, often resembling three bites, around the feet, ankles, near the edges of tight-fitting clothing, or in moist, bending areas, such as armpits or knee creases. These bites may also be surrounded by a red halo. The level of itchiness may vary between individuals, but flea bites are generally less itchy than mosquito bites. Some flea bite symptoms may resemble those of bed bug bites, but bed bug bites are more likely to occur on the face, neck, hands, and arms. If in doubt, consult a medical professional.
Potential Health Risks
Although fleas do not transmit diseases to humans with the same frequency as they do to dogs and other animals, sensitivity or allergies to flea bites can result in hives or rashes. Scratching the affected area can lead to a secondary bacterial infection. While plague is primarily transmitted in the U.S. by ground squirrel fleas and not dog fleas, there are some cat flea transmitted diseases worth mentioning. Typhus, for instance, is a rare condition transmitted by infected cat fleas and their feces, with most cases reported in California, Texas, and Hawaii according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Accidentally ingesting a flea contaminated with a common tapeworm can also pose a risk, particularly for young children due to their close proximity to the ground and tendency to place objects in their mouths.
Eliminating Fleas on Humans
Treatment for fleas on humans necessitates eliminating fleas from all furry pets and the home environment. Seek guidance from a veterinarian when choosing a flea treatment, as a product that kills adult fleas and an insect growth regulator that prevents eggs from hatching is usually recommended. Treating all pets in the household, including cats, can prevent reinfestation.
NexGard and Simparica TRIO are among the recommended products for flea control in dogs. For cats, Revolution or Advantage II may be prescribed by your veterinarian. Remember to follow instructions precisely, as deviations may lead to reinfestation.
Clearing Fleas from the Environment
In addition to treating pets, eradicating fleas in the home environment is crucial, especially if pets continue to be reinfested despite using products. Regularly vacuum carpets, rugs, and furniture, including under cushions, to remove adult fleas, immature fleas, and eggs. If necessary, vacuum daily for a month and then once a week for an additional two months to eliminate the flea population. Empty the vacuum bag at least twice a week, as it may contain developing fleas.
Sprinkle diatomaceous earth in cracks and crevices, as this desiccant kills fleas by drying them out. Wash all pet bedding frequently, clean pet carriers daily, or limit access, and use an outdoor aerosol insecticide to target areas where fleas like to hide, such as underneath decks. Finally, consider purchasing flea traps and replacing them weekly for two months. Consult a local exterminator if home remedies fail.
Preventative Measures
By maintaining a clean yard, utilizing flea control products correctly, and keeping your home tidy, you can reduce the likelihood of a flea infestation. Keep the grass cut short, eliminate leaf litter, and bar access to wildlife dens or under decks. Follow label instructions when applying flea control products during flea season, and consider year-round treatment in warm areas. Regularly vacuum carpets, rugs, and furniture, sweep and mop floors, wash pet bedding on hot settings at least monthly, preferably every two weeks, and comb your dog with a flea comb a couple of times a week. If you find fleas, immerse them in soapy water to drown them. Consult your veterinarian if you encounter fleas biting you or your pets.
Humans can encounter fleas through direct bites from an infested pet or indirectly from fleas living within home environments, such as carpets, bedding, or furniture crevices. Though humans are not preferred hosts, the presence of fleas can still lead to itchy bites and potential health risks like allergies, secondary infections, and even transmission of diseases, such as Typhus.
