This document provides information about the dog flea (Ctenocephalides canis), an ectoparasite that lives on dogs. It details the flea's life cycle of egg, larval, pupal, and adult stages. As adults, fleas feed on their host's blood. They can jump up to 150 times their body length. Fleas may cause allergic reactions in dogs and transmit diseases to pets and humans. The document outlines signs of infestation in pets and recommends preventative treatments and hygiene practices to control fleas.

1. Date: 24/9/2023
Name : Motasem Dahbour
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Ctenocephalides canis
(Curtis)
common name: dog flea

2. Definition of Ectoparasite: An organism that lives on the outside of
its host.
Ctenocephalides canis Commonly known as the dog flea.
Obligate ectoparasite of dogs (Canis lupus familiaris).
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Introduction
Figure 1. Ctenocephalides canis (Curtis) adult.

3. Scientific Name: Ctenocephalides canis
Taxonomy:
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Siphonaptera
Family: Pulicidae
Genus: Ctenocephalides
Species: canis
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Taxonomy and Classification

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Life cycle
Egg Stage:
Female fleas lay their eggs on the host animal or in the surrounding
environment.
Each female can lay several hundred eggs over her lifespan.
Eggs are small, white, and oval-shaped.
flea eggs take about 2 days to 2 weeks to hatch.
Figure 2. Eggs (white objects) of the closely related cat
flea, Ctenocephalides felis, and adult flea excrement.

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Larval Stage:
The eggs hatch into tiny, legless larvae.
Larvae are photophobic, meaning they avoid light and prefer dark,
humid environments.
They feed on organic matter, including flea feces (flea dirt), skin cells,
and other debris.
This stage lasts for about 5-12 days, depending on environmental
conditions.
Figure 3. Ctenocephalides canis larva, with
the head capsule on the left.
Life cycle

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Pupal Stage:
Larvae spin silken cocoons to pupate, often incorporating debris from the
environment for camouflage.
Inside the cocoon, the flea undergoes metamorphosis.
Pupation can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks, with the
potential for diapause (a period of dormancy) in unfavorable conditions.
Figure 4. Cocoons of the closely-
related cat flea, Ctenocephalides
felis, covered with silica sand
granules.
Life cycle

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Adult Stage:
The fully developed adult flea emerges from the cocoon in response to
environmental cues, like vibrations, warmth, and increased carbon dioxide
levels (indicating the presence of a potential host).
Adult fleas are highly specialized for blood-feeding and reproduction.
They seek a host for a blood meal within hours of emerging from the
cocoon.
The entire life cycle, from egg to adult, can take as little as two to three
weeks under optimal conditions.
Figure 5. Ctenocephalides canis adult.
Life cycle

8. Preferred Host: Dogs
Other Potential Hosts: Cats, Humans
Geographical Distribution:
Worldwide, especially in temperate
climates.
Thrives in humid environments.
8 Hosts and Distribution

9. 9 Physical Characteristics
Body Structure:
Flattened from side to side, allowing easy movement through the host's
fur.
Well-adapted for navigating through dense hair.
Coloration and Texture:
Reddish-brown to dark brown, but may appear black when engorged with
blood.
Hard, shiny exoskeleton, often described as "armored."
Mouthparts:
Modified for blood-feeding:
Long, piercing proboscis that can penetrate the skin of the host.
Serrated stylets to facilitate feeding.
Legs:
Hind legs are highly developed for jumping:
Possessing specialized structures like the resilin pad and coiled
protein for powerful leaps.
Fleas can jump up to 150 times their own body length.

10. 10 Physical Characteristics
Eyes:
Compound eyes with numerous lenses (ommatidia), providing a wide
field of vision.
Excellent adaptation for locating potential hosts.
Antennae:
Short and bristle-like.
Sensitive to touch and vibrations, aiding in host detection.
Abdomen:
Segmented, with specialized structures for reproduction and egg-
laying.
Size:
Adult fleas range from 1 to 4 millimeters in length.
Sensory Structures:
Tiny sensory hairs (setae) cover the body, providing information about
the environment and host.

11. Allergic Reactions:
Flea allergy dermatitis (FAD) in sensitive animals.
Transmission of Diseases:
Flea-borne typhus
plague
tapeworms.
Anemia (in severe infestations):
Especially in young or weak animals.
11 Health Risks

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Figure 6. Dogs presenting with flea-bite dermatitis.

13. Diseases Transmitted by Ctenocephalides canis:
Murine typhus. Ex: Rickettsia typhi
bubonic plague Ex: Yersinia pestis
tapeworm infections Ex: Dipylidium caninum
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Flea-Borne Diseases

14. Signs of Infestation in Pets:
Scratching,
hair loss,
reddened skin,
flea dirt (feces).
Diagnostic Methods:
Visual Inspection,
Flea Comb,
Fecal Tests (for tapeworm eggs).
14 Diagnosis and Detection

15. Proper Pet Hygiene:
Regular grooming,
bathing,
and use of flea combs.
Environmental Control:
Vacuuming,
washing pet bedding,
yard maintenance.
Use of Flea Preventatives:
Topical Treatments: These are applied directly to your pet's skin, usually
on the back of the neck, and provide protection against fleas for a specified
period.
Oral Medications: These are administered as pills or chewables and work
systemically to kill fleas.
Flea Collars: Collars impregnated with flea-repelling chemicals can provide
ongoing protection.
15 Prevention and Control

16. Zoonotic Potential: Can Fleas Infect Humans?
Rare, but possible. Can transmit diseases to humans.
Example : Dibylidium cananium (dipylidiasis)
Preventative Measures for Humans:
Avoid contact with infested pets,
maintain good personal hygiene.
16 Human Interaction

17. Questions and Discussion
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Thank you for attention