Can humans get fleas from dogs?
The signs that you and your pet aren’t alone in your house often begin gradually. Maybe you’ve noticed strange marks on your legs and ankles, or perhaps you’ve glimpsed something moving out of the corner of your eye. This might sound like the beginning of a horror movie, but you could be dealing with something much more common — a flea infestation.
Having your home invaded by pests is never pleasant, but battling blood-sucking fleas can be especially unsettling. Can humans get fleas from dogs? The answer is yes, though it's not very common.
If you suspect you have an infestation, uncover the truth about flea transmission and how they spread. We’ll also share effective prevention and treatment routines for a pest-free home.
Understanding Fleas
Fleas are tiny, reddish-brown parasites with long claws and piercing mouths. Adult fleas survive by drinking the blood of animals and — yes, unfortunately — humans.
These pests often get picked up by dogs or cats outdoors and carried into the home. Once inside, the rapid lifecycle of this insect lets them spread like wildfire. They start by laying eggs on their animal host, which fall into bedding or carpet. When the larvae hatch, they feed on dead skin and other organic debris.
Within a month, the larvae have grown into adult fleas. These pests then jump onto passing animals and humans, feeding on their hosts’ blood. They then lay more eggs, restarting the cycle — and quickly transforming your home into a breeding ground for fleas.
Debunking Common Myths About Flea Transmission
Like many other pests, many misconceptions surround fleas. Here are three myths about how these parasites spread and the risks they pose.
Myth: Fleas can live on the human body.
This myth has a grain of truth, as several species of fleas will drink human blood. But the good news is that they typically don’t live and reproduce on the human body the way they do on animals. So while you may find fleas hopping onto you, you won’t have to worry about them laying eggs in your hair or nesting in your clothes.
Myth: Only people with dirty houses get fleas.
Fleas are equal-opportunity pests that can infest even spotless homes. They’re usually carried inside by pets but can also sneak in on human clothing. Wildlife — like mice in a crawlspace or squirrels in an attic — can also bring them into your home. Once inside, fleas reproduce quickly, no matter how clean the house is.
Signs You Have a Flea Infestation
Fleas are very small, so spotting them on yourself or your dog can be challenging, especially if they have long fur. But here are a few red flags to watch out for:
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A dog bitten by fleas will frequently scratch or bite itself.
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You find itchy, red bumps on yourself or your pet.
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Black, flaky flea “dirt” — or feces — appears in your dog’s bedding or fur.
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Small brown insects jump out of your carpet when you walk by.
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You notice small white eggs in your dog’s bed.
How To Treat Fleas on Dogs
Finding fleas on your dog can be troublesome, but don’t panic. There are many effective ways to treat these pests, from oral preventatives to vacuuming. Combining several approaches will help you break the lifecycle and reclaim your home.
Flea Treatments for Pets
The best flea treatment for dogs is an oral preventative medication prescribed by your veterinarian. Popular brands include Bravecto, Nexgard, and Trifexis. The Seresto collar also provides flea and tick control for dogs by releasing an insecticide called imidacloprid on their skin.
Natural supplements can also help fend off fleas. Pet Honesty’s Flea & Tick Support Chews contain coconut oil, garlic, flaxseed, and other natural remedies. These chews help protect your pet from pests without adding chemicals or toxins to their body.
Grooming is another excellent way to treat fleas. Bathe your dog at least once weekly in flea and tick shampoo while battling the infestation. You should also comb them daily with a fine-toothed flea comb. Be sure to drown any adult insects you remove in water and soap, or they’ll just hop right back onto a host.
Some people recommend home remedies for fleas on dogs. For example, applying a mixture of apple cider, water, and a dash of salt to your pet’s fur can deter fleas from jumping on them. Always check with your veterinarian before using home remedies. Fish oil supplements can also fight skin inflammation and improve skin health, but they won’t eliminate fleas alone.
Flea Treatments for Your Home
Along with treating fleas on your dog, you’ll need to fight them on the ground — literally.
Start by vacuuming your home at least once daily to pick up adults, larvae, and eggs. Throw away the vacuum bag in your outdoor trash immediately to prevent the fleas from escaping back into your home. This step takes time, but it’s one of the most effective tactics to eliminate an infestation.
Frequent laundry will also help you defeat fleas. These pests tend to live and reproduce on soft surfaces like dog beds and rugs. Wash these fabrics in hot water several times weekly to kill eggs before they hatch.
For severe infestations, consider calling in a professional pest control company. They'll help you treat your home and yard to wipe out fleas.
Practice Effective Flea Prevention for Dogs (and Humans!)
Maintaining a flea-free home takes effort, but it’s well worth it to protect yourself and your pet from itchy bites and illnesses.
Prevent future infestations by giving your dog flea and tick treatments. Fleas can survive even in the winter — especially inside your cozy and warm home — so you should work with your veterinarian year-round.
Pet Honesty’s flea and tick supplements provide an extra layer of defense against fleas by building up your pet’s resistance to pests while strengthening their immune health. When paired with veterinarian-recommended treatments, these supplements give you extra peace of mind.
Looking for more ways to help your dog feel their best? Explore our best-selling supplements, including dental powders, multivitamins, and probiotics.
