Can Fleas Cause Anemia in Dogs?
WouterDogs that have flea anemia may experience symptoms of weakness, rapid breathing, and lethargy. The symptoms can be life-threatening if left untreated. Your vet can treat your dog for flea anemia using topical medications and flea baths. Some vets also prescribe oral medications for prevention.
Anemia in dogs is a condition in which the body lacks sufficient amounts of red blood cells or hemoglobin. The condition can be caused by many factors, including injuries and disease. But a common cause is fleas, which actively feed on the blood of their host. The more fleas on your dog, the more blood it will lose. Since sufficient amounts of red blood cells and hemoglobin are important for your dog’s health, it is important to treat fleas immediately to ensure your dog’s health.
Treatment for flea anemia varies, and it can be fatal if not treated quickly. Depending on the severity of the anemia, it may require medication, blood transfusion, and iron supplements. To treat your dog’s anemia, be sure to follow your veterinarian’s instructions carefully. Remember to crush or break pills in your pet’s food to make them easier to ingest. If your pet refuses to take the medication, contact your vet immediately, and he may recommend a different form of treatment.
The condition is most common in dogs that have spleens removed. However, this condition doesn’t affect most dogs, which is why it’s important to treat it as soon as possible. If your dog develops the symptoms of anemia, take him to a veterinarian right away to get the necessary treatment.
