Fleas

Alternative names:

dog fleas; Siphonaptera

Definition:

Fleas are wingless blood-sucking insects that feeds on dog, cats, humans and other species.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Fleas prefer dog and cat hosts but in the absence of a preferred host will use humans or other available animals as a host. Pet owners may not be bothered by fleas until their pet is away for an extended period of time and the fleas, in the absence of their normal host, begin to bite the owners. Bites frequently occur around the waist, ankles, armpits, and in the bend of the elbows and knees.