5 Health Problems Your Dog Could Face Due To Fleas
Fleas are a common problem faced by pet owners and their furry friends. Unfortunately, fleas can cause more than just itchy skin – they can also put your pup’s health at risk.
If you think your dog might have fleas, read on to find out what health problems could be caused by these pesky pests.
You’ve probably noticed that your puppy is itching more frequently than usual. This points to the possibility that your dog has a flea allergy.
Your puppy may experience discomfort and even pain from excessive scratching and itching. You should do some investigating before assuming that your puppy’s suffering is due to a flea allergy.
The usual level of scratching from your furry companion has been exceeded. That’s a pretty clear sign that your dog has a flea allergy.
Your dog may experience discomfort and even pain from excessive scratching and itching. You should do some investigating before assuming that your dog’s suffering is due to a flea allergy.
Flea bites can cause a variety of unpleasant symptoms
- Itching leads to scratching, which aggravates the skin’s already unpleasant condition.
- Hair thinning in the regions where you scratch
- Skin biting as a habit
- Irritated, red skin
- Gums that are pale; red, painful boils
Understand How Do Fleas Work?
Smaller than ants, dark insects might be seen crawling around on your dog’s skin if you look closely. Fleas love warm, moist environments like the groyne and armpits. They thrive in hot, dry, sheltered environments.
Little parasites known as fleas rely on your puppy’s blood, causing itchy bites. Cats, wolves, raccoons, foxes, and rabbits are just some of the other species that might develop an allergy to fleas. There are over 2200 different kinds of fleas, however dogs are the primary hosts for flea ticks.
Besides the obvious discomfort of having fleas on his or her body, your dog may also have other problems related to fleas, such as:
Flea allergic dermatitis in dogs
Boils are a common reaction to flea bites. If your dog, however, is allergic to the flea’s secretions, it will be constantly scratching.
Due to this, the area becomes painful and may develop welts. While regular grooming is the defense against flea infestations, there are also treatments available over-the-counter.
Anemia
Fleas are bloodsucking insects. The anaemia that can develop from flea bites is quite dangerous for your dog. Dogs that have become anaemic from flea bites may exhibit signs such as a rapid heart rate, pale gums, lethargy, and loss of appetite.
In addition, this can cause serious health problems. Give your dog a multivitamin every day to ensure a balanced diet. To promptly stop the dog’s flea allergy, please consult your veterinarian.
Tapeworms
When a dog ingests a flea through biting and licking, it can develop a tapeworm infection. It’s a parasite that lives in your dog’s intestines and grows there by eating the dog’s food. Never delay in getting your pet to the vet in such a situation.
HotSpots
Your dog’s skin may develop hot spots if he scratches and bites at them frequently. You should regularly give your dog a bath using one of the several readily available antibacterial shampoos. Your veterinarian can also recommend anti-itch and pain medications.
Bartonella is an infectious bacterium
A dog can get bartonella via being bitten by a flea, which carries the bacteria. Frequent manifestations include nausea, vomiting, fever, diarrhoea, skin edoema, and convulsions.
It’s recommended that you get your pet checked out by a vet ASAP because this infection could be life-threatening.
How to Keep Puppies Safe from Fleas
Fleas are not only a nuisance to your puppy, but they can also transmit diseases and cause anemia. To keep your puppy safe from fleas, you should:
– Vacuum regularly and dispose of the bag after each use.
The best way to prevent your dog from getting fleas is to keep your home clean and free of clutter. Regular vacuuming and dusting will help to remove any eggs or larvae that might be present. You should also regularly bathe your dog using a shampoo that contains an insecticide.
– Treat your home with an indoor insecticide monthly.
If you do find fleas on your dog, there are a number of products available that can kill them. Be sure to follow the directions carefully and always consult with your veterinarian before using any new product on your pet.
– Wash your puppy’s bedding in hot water weekly.
Washing your puppy’s bedding in hot water each week is an effective way to kill any fleas or eggs that may be present. Be sure to use a detergent that is designed for washing pet bedding, as regular laundry detergents may not be as effective.
– Apply a topical flea treatment to your puppy monthly.
You may also want to consider using a Flea & Tick Prevention product on your puppy’s bedding, as this will help to prevent infestations from occurring in the first place.
– Examine your puppy for fleas daily, especially after he or she has been outside.
What does a flea allergy look like on a dog?
Flea allergy dermatitis (FAD), another name for canine flea allergy, typically results in itchiness and skin irritation. The most typical FAD symptoms are excessive skin biting, scratching, or licking, red or irritated skin, and hair loss.
Although it can occur anywhere on the body, the itchiness is typically concentrated at the base of the tail, down the back, and around the belly. Because they scratch, bite, or lick the sore spots, some dogs also get scabs, bumps, or hot spots.
If the dog has overly scratched or bit the area, the skin could occasionally become infected. If you think your dog may have flea allergy dermatitis, you should see a vet right away so they can make an accurate diagnosis and develop a treatment plan to help your dog feel better.
What kills fleas on dogs instantly?
There are several ways to instantly get rid of fleas on dogs. One efficient technique is to physically remove the fleas from the dog’s coat using a flea comb. Using a topical flea treatment like Frontline or Advantage, which can kill fleas within 24 hours of application, is an additional choice.
Additionally, within 30 minutes of administration, oral flea medications like Capstar can start to kill fleas. Before using any flea treatment, it’s important to speak with a veterinarian, especially if your dog has any medical issues or is taking any other medications.
Conclusion:
Maintaining clean carpets is just as vital. In spite of medicating and bathing your dog, if you don’t also frequently clean their bedding, rugs, and furniture, the problem will return.
If your dog suffers from a flea allergy, you know how frustrating it can be. Therefore, it is essential to begin therapy as soon as possible. Although little, these bugs can cause serious discomfort and even illness to your pet. If you want to save your furry friend from the misery of fleas, you need to take action.
Help save your furry pal by getting rid of fleas right now. These bugs may be small, but they can cause serious discomfort for your dog.