/parasites
Parasites
Do you know the difference between fleas and lice on your pet(s)? Even though fleas and lice are different pests, they do share some similarities as well.
Both fleas and lice:
- Are small, wingless insects that bite and chew the skin
- Are active at all times of the day
- Can transmit tapeworms
- Can cause hair loss, itching and potential bacterial infections
- Can make your pet extremely uncomfortable
How are fleas and lice different?
First things first:
- Fleas are much more common in our pets and feed on blood.
- Lice affect pets less frequently and typically feed on skin debris.
Fleas vs. lice: Activity?
But if you're not sure about the difference between the two, there's a key fact that can help you quickly distinguish the pests: They move differently.
Fleas are harder to find because they move so well through the hair. You might see a flea and then not be able to find it again. Also, a flea can jump 200 x its body length in a single jump, that is the equivalent of a human jumping over 3 rugby fields. Lice are not as athletic and may even be fixed in place, attached to individual hairs by way of their large mouthparts.
Fleas vs. lice: Lifespan and reproduction?
The lifespan and reproduction of fleas and lice also differ.
Lice usually live for about one month and females may lay numerous nits (eggs) in their lifetime The female lice glue these nits to the pet's hair shafts so they cannot easily be disrupted.
Fleas, on the other hand, live about two to three months on the pet and can lay thousands of eggs in their lifetime. Unlike lice, fleas lay eggs that fall right off the pet into carpets, bedding and back garden areas. From there, these eggs can lay dormant, ready to develop into adults when they have the opportunity to re-infest you pet or other animals.
Fleas vs. lice: Infestation?
Lice spread to other pets through close contact, while fleas tend to spread to pets via a contaminated environment. In other words, an infected pet can transfer lice directly to another pet, but a flea-infested pet will very rarely directly transfer fleas to another pet. Rather, a pet has to walk or lay around an area that is contaminated with fleas and then the fleas will jump on the pet.
Any pet, even those that are well-cared for, can get fleas; their age or breed doesn't matter, either. Lice, however, tend to affect vulnerable, young, old or neglected pets living in poor conditions.
Knowing basic facts can help you treat and prevent pest problems that affect your pet. We recommend checking in with your veterinarian or veterinarian clinic staff, as for which treatment is right for your pet.
