Can Fleas Upset a Dog’s Stomach?
WouterOne question that dog owners often ask is: Can fleas upset a dog’s digestive tract? The answer depends on the type of flea infestation. In general, fleas do not upset a dog’s stomach, but some dogs do develop a reaction to flea saliva. These dogs have “hot spots” or swelling on their body and face that can cause them to scratch or chew excessively. This is called flea allergy dermatitis. In the most severe cases, the animal can die of the reaction.
Fleas can also cause stress and anxiety in your dog, especially if they’re constantly exposed to fleas. This can make it difficult for some dogs to cope with their stress. But each dog is different, and their individual reaction to fleas will depend on their age and life stage.
If your dog is vomiting blood, it is possible that it swallowed flea collar pieces. These pieces can end up lodged in the stomach or intestines, causing an obstruction. This can be a medical emergency, so be sure to consult a veterinarian immediately. Fortunately, most collar pieces can be seen on an x-ray. Veterinarians can then determine how many pieces of the collar are lodged in the digestive tract.
Once your pet has been infected with fleas, the best way to get rid of them is to treat your dog with flea and tick prevention products. These products work overnight to eliminate fleas on your dog. Another simple method is to mix baking soda and warm water in a large bowl and sprinkle the mixture on the dog’s bed. The dog can then go to sleep in the presence of the mixture while the treatment is taking place.
