Our dachshund Django is obsessive about swimming, and he completely loves the seaside. He screams with pleasure like an aged woman who simply received the lottery every time he sees the ocean.
Django’s lengthy and low-riding body makes him very prone to choosing up particles and bugs after we’re out adventuring. After he picked up fleas throughout a household seaside trip to North Carolina a number of years again, Mike and I (Steph) went into hardcore analysis mode to be taught extra about flea dangers on the seaside.
Can canine get fleas from the seaside? Are fleas frequent in sand? What are sand fleas, and the place do they arrive from? How are they totally different from common fleas? Right here is all the things it’s essential know.
Sand fleas vs. common fleas
There are two forms of fleas. The primary kind of flea, the family title for order Siphonaptera, is probably the most well-known creature. This one is the flightless insect that jumps onto your canine, notably in hotter months, bites and feeds off of her or him, and finally lays eggs. These are the fleas that can trigger itching, scratching, and a house infestation if not addressed instantly.
Common fleas are generally present in grassy, wooded, and sandy areas. They thrive in shady and damp areas and are sometimes unwelcome creatures on pets and in backyards.
Are these fleas discovered on the seaside? Not normally. Though flea larvae can thrive in damp sand and soil, grownup fleas will not be present in dry, sizzling, and sun-soaked sand.
What are sand fleas?
The opposite kind of flea known as the sand flea. Sand fleas aren’t truly fleas however parasitic crustaceans. They’re usually present in heat, tropical areas together with the very southern United States.
Sand fleas soar, much like the best way fleas do, and are also called seaside fleas, sand hoppers, and seaside hoppers.
Sand fleas are very small and vary from 0.25 to 1 inch in size, relying on the species. One species of sand flea discovered within the northeast Atlantic and Mediterranian, Talitrus saltator, grows to 0.65 inches in size. Sand fleas are a grayish-brown or grayish-green shade, serving to them mix into the sand. They’ve two noticable black eyes, 10 legs, and a pair of antenae.
The place precisely do sand fleas reside?
Whereas sand fleas are quite common within the West Indies and South and Central America, they may also be present in marches, alongside the coastal United States, and even on the Mediterranean coast. Florida’s jap and Gulf coasts, North Carolina’s banks, and even Southern California seashores are identified to have sand flea colonies.
Sand fleas reside and burrow in… you guessed it… the sand. Sand flea colonies are mostly discovered within the slushy foreshore, the realm of the seaside that stays constantly moist because of tide and wave flows. The critters typically keep hidden in the course of the sizzling, sunny hours of the day and are available out within the cooler early morning and night hours to forage on washed up kelp, seaweed, and animal matter. They’re additionally extra energetic on the seaside instantly after it rains and when there may be nonetheless cloud cowl.
Are sand fleas harmful?
Sure and no. In sure elements of the world, some sand flea species are identified to aggressively chew and burrow into human and animal pores and skin. Since sand fleas aren’t technically bugs however crustaceans, over-the-counter flea and tick preventatives aren’t efficient remedies for these sand flea bites. Biting and burrowing sand fleas can truly trigger extra hurt to individuals and canine than common canine and cat fleas. Left untreated, a sand flea an infection can result in extreme discomfort, anemia, and even liver injury.
In the event you reside in the USA, we now have excellent news for you. Biting and burrowing sand fleas – the species which might be most certainly to assault human and animal flesh and dig into the pores and skin – are happily not a menace within the United States. The sand fleas present in US coastal areas are usually fearful of people and way more enthusiastic about feeding on washed-up seaweed and decaying animal matter – slightly than you or your canine. Given their non-threatening nature, US-based sand fleas are literally fairly fashionable amongst fisherman as top quality bait.
What are the signs and remedy of sand flea bites?
Signs of sand flea bites embrace mosquito-like bites, black spots in the midst of the swollen areas (these could also be breeding sand fleas), fever and relentless scratching.
Veterinarians should take away sand fleas straight from beneath your pup’s pores and skin. More than likely, your vet will suggest cleansing the handled pores and skin with alcohol or one other disinfectant to stop an infection.
5 methods to stop sand flea bites on you and your canine
1. Keep away from the seaside after it rains. Keep away from visiting the seaside instantly after a rainfall. Sand fleas favor cool air and cloud cowl and are notably aggressive when the air cools down after it rains.
2. Go to the seaside mid-day. Sand fleas are extra energetic within the early morning and night when the solar shouldn’t be burning sizzling and excessive within the sky.
3. Deliver a towel or seaside mat. Making a easy barrier between you and the sand will decrease the chance of being bitten. Sit or lay on a big seaside towel, mat or bedsheet so your toes, ankles and limbs aren’t resting within the sand.
4. Do not dig. Sand fleas generally assault toes, ankles and calves since these are straightforward targets. Keep away from burying your toes within the sand, and forestall your pup from digging and burrowing.
5. Bathe after leaving the seaside. Rinse off proper after leaving the seaside (your canine included) and shake out your seaside towels to scale back the chance of transporting sand fleas into your automotive or dwelling.
Further sources
DJANGO’s Journey Canine Harnesses and Leashes are designed for rugged adventures and on a regular basis use. The Journey Canine Harness contains a weather-resistant and padded neoprene exterior with reflective piping, breathable sport mesh lining, supple and colorfast webbing, and 4 factors of adjustment for a customized match. The Journey Canine Leash options heavy-duty and colorfast webbing, an ultra-padded neoprene deal with for max consolation, and a purposeful D-ring. Stable solid brass {hardware} provides further energy, sturdiness, and class to the adventure-ready designs.