Flea infestations in dogs can cause a range of health risks, both external and internal. Fleas are small insects that survive by feeding on animal or human blood. Their bites can cause discomfort, itchiness, and irritation.
Flea Allergy Dermatitis
Flea allergy dermatitis (FAD) is a specific allergy to flea saliva and is the most common issue caused by fleas
1. Dogs with FAD do not have to be infested with fleas to be itchy. A single flea bite can cause itching for several days. FAD can develop at any age. It is important to note that dogs with other forms of allergies, such as inhaled allergies (e.g., pollens, molds, dust mites), tend to be highly sensitive to a flea bite and are therefore much more susceptible to FAD than dogs that do not have other allergic conditions1. For a dog with FAD, flea prevention is the best form of treatment. Speak to your veterinarian about the best option for preventative treatment for fleas, as modern oral and topical flea preventives are essential to good pet health1.
Tapeworms
Fleas can carry tapeworms, which are parasites that are passed to your pet when they ingest the flea
2. Tapeworms can cause a range of symptoms in dogs, including vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, and poor coat condition. In severe cases, tapeworms can cause anemia and even death. To prevent tapeworms, it is important to prevent flea infestations in your dog.
Internal Infections
Flea bites and infestations can cause internal infections in dogs
3. Fleas subsist on the blood of their hosts, and therefore, a severe flea infestation can lead to anemia in affected animals4. In addition, fleas can transmit other parasites, such as tapeworms, to your dog1. To avoid these risks, prevention is key. Use flea and tick preventatives, limit your pet’s time outdoors, groom your pet regularly, and keep your home clean.
Other Health Risks
In addition to the risks mentioned above, flea infestations in dogs can cause a range of other health issues, including:
- Skin irritation and infection
- Rashes and redness
- Excessive scratching, itching, biting, and licking
- Hair loss
- Ear infections
- Flea dirt on dog bedding
Fleas can also be a health risk to humans. Although dog and cat fleas don’t usually look to humans as hosts, fleas in the home can still be a significant health risk to pet owners. Certain diseases can be carried by fleas and spread to humans, including plague and cat scratch fever. If you have signs related to any of these diseases, consult your physician
2.
Preventing Fleas on Your Pets
Prevention is key to avoiding flea infestations in your home, severe allergic reactions, and the transmission of diseases. Here are some tips to prevent fleas on your pet 5:
- Limit the amount of time your pet spends outdoors.
- Limit contact with wild and stray animals.
- Bathe and brush pets regularly.
- Check for fleas regularly.
- Fleas prefer warmer and more humid months, but if there is an animal to feed on, fleas can survive year-round.
- Talk to your veterinarian about flea control products that are right for your pet.
- Treat pets for fleas year-round in order to kill adult fleas and prevent new ones from hatching.
- Always follow product instructions.