Each egg hatches into a larva, which feeds on the animal, spins a cocoon and is transformed into a pupa. The shell of the pupa is very tough and durable, protecting the flea until it becomes an adult anywhere from a week to a year later. Under ideal conditions two fleas can produce up to 20,000 offspring in a month. To fix a flea problem, you must treat the pet, the house and the lawn. First, determine whether your pet has fleas by looking through its coat or running a flea comb through its coat.
Flea combs have very fine teeth that pick up fleas, eggs and droppings.
If you discover fleas, talk to your veterinarian about setting up a program of treatment. Your veterinarian has many products that are far superior to those available over the counter. In many cases you'll start by bathing the animal with a flea shampoo. Allow the shampoo to soak into the animal's fur, then rinse it away. This treatment will kill most of the adult fleas and larvae in your pet's fur.