When you run a multi-pet household there’s always some risk of contagious diseases being passed from one animal to another. Can dogs catch fleas from cats? Let’s find out whether it’s possible and what can be done to eliminate parasites.

How can dogs have fleas?

First, we should answer the question mentioned above. Yes, dogs can have fleas from cats, and vice versa. Fleas can live without a host for a long time: they stay in carpets, upholstery, curtains, clothes, and discreet corners. Dogs and cats that walk outside are under severe risk of contamination. Besides, if you attend a groomer who has previously worked with contaminated animals, there is a high risk of lice infestation.

Thus, there’s no need for a dog and cat to contact each other directly – fleas can live indoors for several days, or live in grass and jump on a dog/cat or the owner’s clothes.

Signs of flea infestation

Generally, the signs of infestations are similar in dogs and cats:

●       A pet keeps scratching oneself too often, and you can hear teeth snapping or see the pet gnawing into particular spots on the body.

●       A pet is restless, experiences trouble sleeping, or it bends the back and stands still in such position.

●       When inspecting a pet's fur and skin carefully, you can notice little black insects, their black or white eggs.

●       In case of a severe or long-lasting infestation, pets become nervous, may lose weight, and show aggression or passivity.

You should never ignore these signs and take your pet to a vet once you notice them. Flea infestation causes a lot of problems with health. Constant scratching traumatizes skin, which can later lead to inflammation and various issues. There’s a whole range of dangerous flea-borne diseases, such as typhus, distemper, rabbit disease, etc.), not mentioning that some fleas can also contaminate pets with intestinal worms. For puppies and senior dogs, serious contamination can be lethal – it leads to anemia and depletion. Pretty much the same can be told about cats.

How to prevent fleas?

Please, note that you should protect all pets to keep fleas at bay. The more animals you own, the stronger should be the protection measures. Those include:

●       Keep your house clean, especially carpets and furniture. You can use flea sprays to prevent the flea infestation.

●       Examine your pets’ skin and fur regularly, and every time after a walk.

●       Use special anti-parasite shampoos or sprays.

●       Buy anti-flea collars for all your pets.

●       Make sure that your cats and dogs don’t contact homeless and wild animals.

Bottom line

Even if your cat does not leave four walls, it can get contaminated with fleas brought by other family members. That puts all other pets in danger. These parasites can be easily passed from a cat to a dog, from a human to a pet, and vice versa. Use the above-mentioned measures to prevent infestation – it’s easier than you think.

Jimmie O'Chutt is an avid pet lover who runs CatPet.Club, a blog about living with cats and making this life fulfilling for both owners and their four-legged friends. Jimmie has also created the CatPet YouTube channel where you can find games for your pet to play.