How do fleas bite a dog? - briefly
Fleas bite dogs by using their powerful hind legs to leap onto the animal and then inserting their sharp mouthparts into the skin to feed on blood. The process is quick and can cause significant discomfort if the infestation is severe.
How do fleas bite a dog? - in detail
Fleas are small, wingless insects that feed on the blood of warm-blooded animals, including dogs. The process by which fleas bite and feed from a dog involves several stages:
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Detection and Approach: Fleas have highly developed senses that allow them to detect heat, vibrations, and carbon dioxide exhaled by their hosts. Once they sense the presence of a dog, they will move towards it with remarkable speed and agility.
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Landing: When a flea lands on a dog, it uses its powerful hind legs to jump up to 13 inches vertically and 7 inches horizontally. This ability helps them quickly locate a suitable spot on the dog's body where they can feed undisturbed.
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Insertion of the Proboscis: Fleas have a specialized mouthpart called a proboscis, which consists of several sharp stylets that form a tube-like structure. Once the flea has found a suitable spot, usually in areas with thinner skin such as the groin, belly, or inner thighs, it inserts its proboscis into the dog's skin.
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Salivation: As the flea's proboscis penetrates the skin, it begins to salivate. Flea saliva contains a variety of compounds, including anticoagulants that prevent blood from clotting, and anesthetics that numb the area around the bite to minimize discomfort for the dog. This allows the flea to feed without being disturbed by the host's scratching or movement.
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Feeding: Fleas feed on blood by sucking it up through their proboscis. They can consume up to 15 times their body weight in blood per day, which is essential for their survival and reproduction. During this process, fleas also defecate, leaving small dark spots of digested blood on the dog's skin or fur.
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Detachment: After feeding, fleas will detach from the dog and move to a new location. This could be elsewhere on the dog's body or in the environment, such as bedding or carpets, where they can lay their eggs and continue the life cycle.
The bite of a flea can cause significant discomfort for dogs, leading to intense itching and scratching. Prolonged infestations can also lead to more serious health issues, including anemia in severe cases and the transmission of diseases such as tapeworms or Bartonella (cat-scratch disease). Therefore, prompt detection and treatment of flea infestations are crucial for maintaining a dog's well-being.