Can fleas live on humans?

Cat and dog fleas may bite people but usually do not infest us long-term. Treating the pet, all other pets, and the home clears the problem. Persistent bites with no pet need a GP, not a stronger pet spray.

How do I remove a tick from my dog?

Use a tick hook or fine tweezers, grasp close to the skin, and pull steadily upward without twisting. Disinfect the bite and monitor for illness. Do not burn the tick or smother it in petroleum jelly.

Do indoor cats need flea treatment?

Usually yes — fleas hitchhike on people and other pets, and eggs persist in carpets. Ask your vet about year-round prevention even for indoor-only cats.

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Fleas and ticks

Quick answer

**Fleas** cause itching, skin allergy, and can spread tapeworms; **ticks** attach, feed on blood, and in the UK may transmit Lyme disease. Modern **vet-prescribed preventatives** work far better than old-fashioned collars alone. Treat the pet, the other pets, and the home together. If you find a tick, remove it with a tick tool — never burn it or use petroleum jelly. Pair flea cover with a worming schedule.

Key takeaways

Treat the pet, every other pet in the home, and the house together — flea eggs in carpets restart the cycle if you only spot-on the itchy animal.
Year-round prevention is the UK default because central heating lets fleas survive indoors. Indoor cats still need cover; fleas hitchhike on people.
Never use dog-only flea products on cats — permethrin can kill them. Remove ticks with a tick hook, not matches or petroleum jelly.

The full guide

Causes, symptoms, treatment options and when to call your vet — in the complete plain-English guide.

Read: Fleas and Ticks on Dogs and Cats Check symptoms

Frequently Asked Questions

Can fleas live on humans?: Cat and dog fleas may bite people but usually do not infest us long-term. Treating the pet, all other pets, and the home clears the problem. Persistent bites with no pet need a GP, not a stronger pet spray.
How do I remove a tick from my dog?: Use a tick hook or fine tweezers, grasp close to the skin, and pull steadily upward without twisting. Disinfect the bite and monitor for illness. Do not burn the tick or smother it in petroleum jelly.
Do indoor cats need flea treatment?: Usually yes — fleas hitchhike on people and other pets, and eggs persist in carpets. Ask your vet about year-round prevention even for indoor-only cats.