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Ticks and Lyme disease
Quick answer
**Fleas** cause itching, skin allergy, and can spread tapeworms; **ticks** attach and feed on blood and may transmit serious diseases depending on where you live. Modern **vet-prescribed preventatives** work far better than old-fashioned flea collars alone. If you find a tick, remove it promptly with a tick tool — never burn it or use petroleum jelly.
Key takeaways
- Human fleas are rare in many homes; cat and dog fleas may bite people but usually do not infest us long-term. Treating the pet and home clears the problem.
- 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.
- Often yes — fleas hitchhike on people and other pets, and eggs can persist in carpets. Ask your vet about year-round prevention.
The full guide
Causes, symptoms, treatment options and when to call your vet — in the complete plain-English guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can fleas live on humans?
- Human fleas are rare in many homes; cat and dog fleas may bite people but usually do not infest us long-term. Treating the pet and home clears the problem.
- 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 indoor cats need flea treatment?
- Often yes — fleas hitchhike on people and other pets, and eggs can persist in carpets. Ask your vet about year-round prevention.