Sanitation around the area where pets are kept, cleanliness of the pets, good care and nutrition all help reduce the chance of a serious problem. Fleas Various species of fleas are the most common insects on pets, and may increase to high numbers in areas where pets are kept. Fleas spread throughout homes, animal quarters and yards. They attack pets, livestock, birds, and people. The dog flea, Ctenocephalides canis , the cat flea, C. felis , and sticktight flea, Echidnophaga gallinacea , the human flea, Pulex irritans , and other species may be found on pets.
Most species are quite active and move through the hair rapidly when disturbed.
The sticktight flea attaches permanently in less hairy areas, as around the eyes or ears. They have no wings. Most are brown with legs well developed for jumping. A generation may be completed in a month. Fleas deposit small white eggs on the animal, which usually fall off into the bedding area.