Fleas are more than just a nuisance—they can cause intense itching, skin irritation, and even lead to serious health problems for your pet.

Whether you have a dog, cat, or both, understanding how fleas live, spread, and how to treat them effectively is key to keeping your furry family happy and healthy.

What Are Fleas?

Fleas are tiny, wingless parasites that feed on the blood of animals. Despite their size, they’re remarkably resilient and can jump up to 150 times their body length—making it easy for them to spread between pets, people, and surfaces in your home.

A single female flea can lay up to 50 eggs per day, meaning an infestation can quickly get out of hand if not treated promptly. Flea bites can cause itching, redness, hair loss, and allergic reactions in pets, particularly if your dog or cat is sensitive to flea saliva.

The Life Cycle of a Flea

To effectively treat and prevent fleas, it’s important to understand their life cycle. Fleas go through four main stages:

Egg – Flea eggs are laid on your pet but quickly fall into carpets, bedding, or furniture.

Larva – After hatching, larvae feed on organic matter, including adult flea droppings.

Pupa – The pupal stage is the most resilient. Fleas can remain dormant in this stage for weeks or even months.

Adults – Once they sense heat, movement, or carbon dioxide (a sign of a host), adult fleas emerge and start feeding immediately.

This cycle can take anywhere from two weeks to several months, which is why consistent flea treatment for dogs and cats is essential—not just a one-off application.

How Does My Pet Catch Fleas?

Fleas thrive in warm, humid environments and can be picked up just about anywhere. Common sources include:

• Contact with other infested animals at parks, grooming salons, or kennels
  
  
• Flea eggs or larvae in your home environment (carpets, furniture, bedding)
  
  
• Outdoor areas like grass or garden beds where flea eggs and larvae may develop
  
  

Even indoor pets can catch fleas—humans can unknowingly bring flea eggs inside on shoes or clothing.

How Can I Prevent My Pet from Getting Fleas?

Prevention is always better (and easier) than treatment. Here are some effective ways to protect your pets:

Use preventive flea treatments year-round. Even during cooler months, fleas can survive indoors.

Vacuum regularly—especially carpets, rugs, and furniture. Dispose of the vacuum bag immediately to prevent reinfestation.

Wash your pet’s bedding weekly in hot water.

Groom regularly using a flea comb to check for flea dirt (tiny black specks).

Treat all pets in the household, even if only one shows signs of fleas.

A consistent flea prevention routine is your best defence against infestations.

Flea Treatment for Dogs

When it comes to flea treatment for dogs, the key is choosing a product that kills fleas fast and continues working for weeks.

Common treatment options include:

Spot-on treatments: Applied between the shoulder blades and absorbed into the skin for month-long protection.

Oral tablets or chews: Convenient, fast-acting, and often provide broader protection against other parasites.

Flea shampoos and sprays: Great for immediate relief during active infestations.

Flea collars: Provide ongoing protection, especially when combined with other treatments.

Skin and Coat supplements for dogs: Skin & Coat + DHA & MCT - Support your dogs skin and coat health during this recovery period. Flea bites, scratching, and secondary irritation can leave your dog skin inflamed, dry, or sensitive.

Important: Always choose products specifically formulated for dogs, as some cat flea products contain ingredients toxic to dogs.

For added comfort and recovery, consider supplements that support skin health and reduce inflammation caused by flea bites. Petmima’s natural formulations can help soothe irritation and restore your pet’s coat condition during and after treatment.

Flea Treatment for Cats

Cats are notorious self-groomers, which means they can accidentally ingest fleas or flea eggs while cleaning themselves. Effective flea treatment for cats includes:

Spot-on treatments made specifically for cats (never use dog products on cats).

Oral flea medications that kill adult fleas fast.

Flea sprays or powders suitable for feline use.

Skin and Coat supplements for cat's: Skin & Coat + DHA & MCT - Support your cat’s skin and coat health during this recovery period. Flea bites, scratching, and secondary irritation can leave your cat’s skin inflamed, dry, or sensitive.

Regular grooming and washing your cat’s bedding are essential steps in preventing reinfestation.

If your cat has sensitive skin, choose a gentle, vet-approved flea treatment and pair it with supplements that promote skin barrier repair and reduce itchiness.

Final Thoughts

Fleas can cause serious discomfort for your pets, but with regular preventive care, they’re completely manageable.

Choose the right flea treatment for dogs and cats, maintain a clean home environment, and consider natural supplements to support skin recovery and overall health.

A little consistency goes a long way towards keeping your pet itch-free, happy, and healthy.