Disclaimer
The Puppy Up Foundation does not endorse nor recommend any particular product, service, or treatment. We offer information strictly for educational and/or informational purposes. We believe it is the pet owner’s responsibility to do the research and draw his or her own conclusions.
By Sally Writes
The so-called ‘cat flea’ is the most common flea on pet cats and dogs but it is so prevalent that it is present in over 130 wildlife species in the world. If you’ve noticed your dog is scratching himself more than normal or you find that he is sleeping and suddenly jumps up as though startled, the reason could very well be fleas. In addition to causing skin problems such as flea allergy dermatitis, fleas can cause even more serious conditions – including tapeworms, anemia, and an infection called bartonellosis. In the case of puppies, a big flea infestation can sometimes even cause death. Because consequences can be so serious, it is important to take preventive steps, including treating dogs regularly with a good flea and tick product, and checking their paws, ears and other areas of the body for the presence of ticks.
Fleas and Ticks and their Effect of Pet Health
Lyme disease is just one problem ticks can cause; the US has almost 100 varieties of ticks but only a few cause this disease, whose symptoms are serious and can include the swelling of joints, fever, loss of appetite, lameness, and more. Lyme disease is a bacterial illness that can get into a dog’s blood stream through a tick bite, moving throughout the body and affecting the functioning of several organs. After a day out in the woods or in grassy areas, check your dog for ticks when you get home. If you find any, don’t use your hands to remove them. Use tweezers and make sure you remove the entire tick. Disinfect the site of attachment and wash your hands well after disposing of the tick.
Tapeworm and Anemia
The most common diseases caused by flea bites are allergic dermatitis, tapeworm infection, and anemia. Dermatitis will cause extreme itchiness, resulting in patches of missing hair, as well as redness and hotspots that can easily become infected. Tapeworm, meanwhile, can cause dogs to ‘scoot’ and, in time, lead to anemia and intestinal blockages.
Fighting Fleas and Ticks is Easy
Keeping your dog free from fleas and ticks is so simple; all it takes is the application of a monthly (or three-week) treatment, as recommended by your doctor. Some treatments protect dogs against leishmaniasis (caused by the bite of a sandfly) as well as fleas and ticks. This disease is especially prevalent in the Mediterranean and other warm climes, so if you are visiting this area, ask your vet about the appropriate treatment and frequency of application. Finally, if your dog becomes heavily infested with fleas, it can lose too much blood and become anemic. Puppies are particularly vulnerable to anemia and can encounter major complications from this condition.
If your dog has fleas and you have bathed and treated it, the next step is to steam vacuum your home regularly to get rid of any potential flea cocoons. Fleas and ticks can cause serious diseases in your dog and, in some cases, death. As with all illnesses, it pays to keep infestations at bay. With regular treatments, your dog will be happy and itch-free, and you can safely take him into the Great Outdoors without fearing flea and tick infestations.
