Ctenocephalides canis

This week we learn about flea, do u know about flea??

Fleas are the insects forming the order Siphonaptera. They are wingless, with mouthparts adapted for piercing skin and sucking blood. Fleas are externalparasites, living by hematophagy off the blood of mammals (including bats and humans) and birds.

Some flea species include:

• Cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis)
• Dog flea (Ctenocephalides canis)
• Human flea (Pulex irritans)
• Moorhen flea (Dasypsyllus gallinulae)
• Northern rat flea (Nosopsyllus fasciatus)
• Oriental rat flea (Xenopsylla cheopis)

But, today we just learn about one of the flea species :)

yeep.. u right

there is dog flea :) and we can call it Ctenocephalides canis :)

Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Arthropoda
Class:	Insecta
Order:	Siphonaptera
Family:	Pulicidae
Genus:	Ctenocephalides
Species:	C. canis

The dog flea (Ctenocephalides canis) is a species of flea (Siphonaptera) that lives primarily on the blood of dogs. The dog flea is troublesome because it can spread Dipylidium caninum. They are commonly found in Europe.

Although they feed on the blood of dogs and cats, they sometimes bite humans. They can live without food for several months, but females must have a bloodmeal before they can produce eggs. They can deliver about 4000 eggs on the host's fur. The eggs go through four lifecycle stages: embryo, larva, pupa, andimago (adult).This whole life cycle from egg to adult takes from two to three weeks, although this depends on the temperature. It may take longer in cool conditions.

The dog flea's mouthparts are adapted for piercing skin and sucking blood. Dog fleas are external parasites, living by hematophagy off the blood of dogs. The dog often experiences severe itching in all areas where the fleas may reside.

Fleas do not have wings and their hard body is flattened from side-to-side and has hairs and spines, which makes it easy for them to travel through hair. They have relatively long hind legs for jumping.

Flea infestations can be not only annoying for both dogs and humans but also very dangerous. Problems caused by fleas may range from mild to severe itching and discomfort to skin problems and infections. Anemia may also result from flea bites in extreme circumstances. Furthermore, fleas can transmittapeworms and diseases to pets.

When fleas bite humans they may develop an itching rash with small bumps that may bleed. This rash is usually located on the armpit or fold of a joint such as the elbow, knee, or ankle. When the area is pressed, it turns white.

When dogs are troubled by fleas they scratch and bite themselves, especially in areas such as the head, neck, and around the tail. Fleas normally concentrate in such areas. This incessant scratching and biting may cause the dog's skin to become red and inflamed.

Flea allergy dermatitis is developed by those dogs allergic to flea saliva. In this case, the symptoms previously mentioned are more pronounced. Because of compulsive scratching and biting, the dog may lose hair, get bald spots, exhibit hot spots due to extreme irritation, and develop infections that result in smelly skin.

• Treatments

To effectively get rid of fleas and flea eggs, one should treat not only dogs but also the household and exterior regions to eliminate eggs from bedding, grass, floor, furniture and other areas.

Treatment should be given as soon as signs of fleas appear and repeated regularly. Delays in treating the infestation may lead to flea-transmitted diseases.

Once-a-month topical products are the most commonly used products to kill parasite infestations. They are normally applied on the back of the pet and their advantage is that they also provide protection from further infestations. Sprays come in the form of aerosols and pump bottles and they are meant to be applied on all parts of the pet. Dips and rinses are also available but they are not as common as the other such products because they are the most dangerous for the health of the pet.

In 2009 the US Environment Protection Agency (EPA) conducted an investigation into the reactions of many pets to topical flea products and released preliminary reports in the spring of 2010.^[7]

There are also different treatments available for dogs from natural alternatives to chemically-based products that include topical medications and oral medications. Although common remedies provide natural options with natural ingredients such as lavender, pennyroyal, neem, and sweet mace which are insect repellents^[2] care should be used since "natural" does not always mean non-toxic.

Evaluations of the toxicity of flea treatment products have been scientifically studied and are available online from the Natural Resources Defense Council  and a list of less toxic and alternative treatments can be found in the reference book, Flea Control Secrets which maintains a blog specifically on flea treatment.

Control products include medicines, drops and sprays that offer different results. Some of the most common brands and their basic characteristics include:

• Frontline comes in sprays, drops, general flea medication, and other flea control products and it is highly effective.
• Advantage is a quick-acting topical application product that stops biting fleas in three to five minutes.
• K9 Advantix not only kills fleas and ticks but also offers control against mosquitoes, biting flies and lice with its waterproof formula.
• Capstar is an affordable Nitenpyram pill that kills 98% of adult fleas within five hours. However, eggs and larva do not get killed so it may be necessary to combine it with another product.
• Program comes in pills or liquid and it is taken monthly. It basically kills off the flea's capacity to reproduce which gradually kills off all the fleas.
• Revolution is a spot application that protects dogs from heartworms, fleas and other parasites.
• Biospot is an affordable option made to kill fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes. One application lasts about three months for fleas but one month for ticks and mosquitoes. It is not waterproof.
• Sentinel is a monthly Lufenuron tablet that stops young fleas from molting their outer shells, and makes the females lay eggs that can't hatch.
• Vectra is a once a month flea and tick treatment given to dogs. It kills all fleas and ticks that stays on the dog for a given amount of time. The formula is waterproof. The dog formula should not be used on cats as it has an ingredient that could affect the cat in negative ways.

Before choosing a treatment it is important to know the dog's weight and age. It is also important to consult a veterinarian to learn more about the products and choose the one that is best for the dog.

adapted from : wikipedia.com