
Fleas can jump quite a long way given their small size. According to an estimate, a flea can jump up to 100 times its length (7 inches vertically and 13 inches horizontally). Similarly, a hungry flea can make 10,000 continuous jumps for searching an appropriate host. However, their ability to jump from one host to another is always questioned. Keep reading to know why fleas jump on dogs and learn whether fleas jump from dog to dog or not.
Why Do Fleas Jump on Dogs?
Fleas jump on dogs in search of blood. This is because your canine companion offers a suitable environment for them to survive and reproduce. Experts believe that an adult flea can drink nearly 15 times its body weight every day. Likewise, a female flea can lay about 50 eggs a day. These numbers clearly show why dog owners are so afraid of flea infestation and try their best to prevent it.
Do Fleas Jump Off Dogs?

Although they are capable of jumping from dog to dog, most fleas like to stay on one host. They make an effort to find a new host only when they hatch. Once they have found a suitable animal, these obligate parasites will inhabit it throughout their lives. Hence, it is quite safe to assume that every flea stays on a single dog and won’t leave him/her voluntarily.
How Can a Dog Pick up Fleas?

Dogs can get infected with fleas in several different ways and the most common ones among them are listed below.
Backyard – Fleas are notorious for leaving their eggs in the environment and the grass in your backyard is one of the favorite spots. Therefore, if your canine friend likes to spend time in the yard, it should be free from these parasites.
Owners or Visitors – Your dog can get infected with fleas even if he/she doesn’t leave the house. This is because fleas can come into the house with your guests and even yourself. They can live for several weeks and will find an ideal host in form of your pet. Locating the source of fleas and ensuring regular treatment will minimize the chances of infestation.
Doggy Daycare or Dog Parks – Both these areas can have a very high concentration of fleas and are ideal hunting grounds for fleas. This is because there are several dogs and they have plenty of options to occupy. Fleas can either jump from the grass to canines or directly from dog to dog. Although most daycare facilities are quite keen on fleas and other parasites, they can sometimes sneak through the treatments.
Other Animals – Dogs are not the only animals that are affected by fleas. These parasites can infest a lot of other animals, including cats, rabbits, and squirrels. Hence, you will need to be a little extra careful in a multi-pet household. Some of these animals can visit your backyard even if you don’t have them as domestic pets.
How Do Fleas Transfer from Dog to Dog?

It is not common for fleas to move from dog to dog. These parasites strive to find an appropriate host after birth and then live with it. However, they can sometimes jump from one canine to another, especially in areas with many dogs. Dog parks, doggie daycares, and boarding kennels are the most suitable places for such movements. Therefore, you should be very vigilant while finding these destinations for your pup.
Ever wonder if fleas jump off of your dog after a flea treatment? Check out our post “Do Fleas Jump off After Treatment?” to learn more.
How to Prevent Your Dog from Catching Fleas?

The following are some of the measures that you can take to minimize the chances of flea infestation.
Protect Your Backyard – Make your yard discouraging for wild animals so that they could stay away. This will keep the fleas away from your yard and your dog won’t get infected from there.
Keep Your Dog Away from Other Animals – Stray dogs and other animals can carry parasites and may infest your pooch. Whether you are in your yard or outside for a walk, precaution is necessary. If your dog likes to visit parks and have fun with other dogs, it’s important to limit the time of interaction.
Ask the Guests about their Pets – If you are expecting some friends who have dogs or other pets, make a polite inquiry about flea treatments. After all, you don’t want your guests to bring unwanted parasites with them.
Research Thoroughly about the Pet Facilities – If you need to use a dog daycare or kennel, check their history for flea outbreaks. Similarly, ask their past customers about any problems that they may have faced. All this effort can go a long way in keeping your dog safe from fleas.
Ensure Regular Flea Treatment – This is probably the safest bet against flea infestation. You can try all the precautions but your dog will be quite vulnerable if he/she is not treated. Consult your vet to come up with a schedule and follow it strictly to keep your pooch safe.
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