There are a few different types of fleas; a dog flea is a small, flat, wingless parasite that feeds on the blood of its host. Adult dog fleas are between 1-4 mm long and are black or dark brown in color, although their appearance may change after feeding on blood.
Female fleas lay eggs loosely in the host’s hair (usually a cat or dog). The eggs drop off and hatch in 2-14 days into tiny, hairy, worm-like larvae. Flea larvae can be found in the kennel or cage of your animal, along baseboards, in carpets, or even on/inside furniture. New adult fleas immediately seek a host and must get a blood meal in order to survive.
Flea bites are probably the most irritating aspect of dealing with these insects. They can cause red, swollen spots that are extremely itchy. A bite from a flea is actually considered a puncture wound. You’ll usually find a few bites clustered together and the bite can remain itchy up to several weeks.