4 Problems Fleas Can Cause For Your Pet

Fleas are tiny, and unfortunately common, pests in Southeast Michigan. Often mistaken for bedbugs, these tiny reddish-brown bugs are known for their jumpy movements and insatiable love of blood, especially from pets. These are five common issues fleas can cause to your cat or dog.

Hot Spots

Flea saliva contains enzymes that often cause an allergic reaction making the bite extremely itchy. So itchy, that dogs and cats often scratch or lick the area so much it can develop sores which can become infected. Pets who are showing signs of having hot spots should be taken to the vet for treatment which can include a cone to stop them from licking, a pet-safe antiseptic to clean the wounds, and an antibiotic, if needed.

Anemia

If a flea infestation is severe enough, cats and dogs can become anemic and require treatment. Telltale signs of anemia include lethargy and lighter-than-normal colored gums. A veterinarian can perform a test to detect anemia, and in extreme cases may recommend a blood transfusion, although milder cases require less intense solutions.

Tapeworms

Tapeworms are another flea-borne concern for your pet, but a tapeworm infection is not the result of a bite. Instead, tapeworms are spread when an animal eats a flea that is infected with a tapeworm. Cats and dogs may ingest an infected flea when they are bitten and trying to remove the bug or when they are grooming themselves. Once the flea has been consumed, the tapeworm is able to take up residence in your pet’s body causing them to lose weight and scoot across the ground. Tapeworms can be confirmed by your vet and treated with medication.

Hair Loss

Hair loss in pets can be a sign of an ongoing case of fleas. Animals will itch and scratch to get relief from flea bites, often removing fur, with more severe infestations leading to more hair loss. Once the animal is treated for fleas, the hair should grow back, however, if hair loss is ongoing, you may want to consult your vet to rule out other possible issues like mange.

If you’re concerned about fleas affecting the health of your pet, there are things you can do. Your vet can prescribe flea prevention medication to help keep your pets from flea bites and their potential complications, but for an added layer of protection, call the professionals at Mosquito One. Our human and pet-friendly mosquito barrier treatment is effective at preventing fleas giving everyone in the family the protection they need.

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