Can Fleas in Dogs Cause Diarrhea?

Dogs are at risk for fleas, which can cause a wide variety of health problems, including diarrhea. Fleas are small, blood-sucking insects. When a dog gets infested with fleas, it can suffer from diarrhea, anemia, and even tapeworms. A veterinarian can prescribe medication that kills fleas. Fleas can also transmit dangerous bacteria, such as Bartonella. These germs can infect dogs and cats, as well as humans. In addition to causing diarrhea and vomiting, fleas can cause secondary infections such as skin inflammation, allergies, and even arthritis. Dogs may also develop hot spots, which are inflammations of the skin caused by fleas or mites. Treatment may involve topical steroids to stop the itching.

Tapeworms can also live inside your dog’s digestive tract, so it’s important to check your dog for worms. Fleas can carry tapeworm eggs, which will eventually mature and enter the body. Thankfully, most dogs will survive a tapeworm infestation without any ill effects, but puppies and geriatric dogs are at an increased risk for intestinal problems.

Fleas can be difficult to detect, but there are several ways to determine if your dog has fleas. First, you can look for fleas by scratching your dog’s ears, legs, or tail. The adult fleas are the easiest to spot with the naked eye. Next, look for flea dirt, which is a mixture of digested blood and feces. It will turn reddish brown when tested.