How do dogs get fleas?

Dogs and cats often get infested with fleas through contact with other animals or contact with fleas in the environment. The strong back legs of this insect enable it to jump from host to host or from the environment onto the host. (Fleas do not have wings, so they cannot fly!) Look for "flea dirt", too. read more

Dogs can contract fleas from feral animals, as well as other household pets, including cats. Though the dog flea, Ctenocephalides canis, prefers to subsist on dog blood, cat fleas do not discriminate and will happily start up a colony on your pup. read more

Anytime your pet goes out into the world -- even if only for short walks around the block; play dates at the local dog park; a visit to the veterinarian; a stint at the boarding kennel; a trip to the groomer; a ride in the car; etc. -- she is being exposed to the opportunity for fleas and ticks to hop aboard. read more

Unfortunately, fleas are annoying and persistent, so there is no instantaneous way to remove fleas from your dog or cat. However, pills and other spot-on chemical treatments have proven to be some of the fastest ways to rid your pet of fleas. Capstar is one option to remove fleas from dogs and cats. read more