Flea Facts Pet Owners Should Know

If you have a dog or a cat, here are some flea facts that you'll want to know:

Fleas are parasites that are external and they are found attached to the skin of dogs and cats.

When a flea reaches adulthood, it is approximately 1/8 of an inch.

You can identify a flea by its color, which is red-brown.  Fleas also have hair (which you cannot see) that allows them to move through the air of dogs and cats with relative ease.

Contrary to belief, fleas don't have wings.  Instead, they jump with three sets of legs.

Fleas don't just attach to dogs and cats, they also attach to chickens, livestock and even humans.

The number one way to tell if your pet has fleas is to watch for incessant scratching.  If you notice this behavior, you'll want to seek treatment immediately.  Some over-the-counter applications will do the trick, but if the parasites do not clear with such treatments, it's important to act quickly and seek the help of a local veterinarian.