What is the difference between dog and cat fleas?

Any physical difference between these two flea species can only be observed under a microscope, and without that, it’s virtually impossible to detect any difference between these two species of fleas.Despite being different species, dog and cat fleas are alike in almost every aspect of their lives. They have more similarities than differences and only experts can tell them apart. Cat fleas are the most common species of fleas found in the United States and North America as a whole, while dog fleas are more prevalent in European countries. Cat fleas are responsible for about 70% of flea infestations in the United States, while dog flea infestations are very rare. Dog and cat fleas operate in much the same way, their bite is equally irritating and itchy, and will leave behind small red bumps on the skin. These insects are both carriers of tapeworm eggs and will transmit the parasite to cats and dogs.

A flea infestation of any kind is primarily the same. Both dog and cat fleas will jump on a potential host animal, crawl into their fur and pierce their skin with specially-adapted needle-like mouthparts to drink blood. Just like cat fleas, dog fleas will also feed on humans. Flea bites cause serious itching in pets and if these blood-sucking insects find their way into a home, chances are they will also feed on humans. As obligated blood-sucking insects, both dog and cat fleas cannot survive or reproduce without blood, and they feed on blood alone. If you notice your pets itching like never before or over- grooming themselves, then they may be battling with fleas and their nasty bites. Any case of a flea infestation is to be urgently treated, and it doesn’t matter whether they are dog or cat fleas.