How Do Fleas Affect Dogs?
WouterFleas live on animals and feed on blood. If you have a dog, it is important to know how to prevent flea infestation. Fleas can cause anemia, especially in small puppies or weak dogs. Anemia is a serious condition that can lead to death. In addition, fleas can cause abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. They may also transmit diseases to your dog.
Dogs are susceptible to fleas because their blood volume is small. They can be attacked hundreds of times per day by a single flea. In addition to making dogs very uncomfortable, fleas can spread other parasites and tapeworms. Fleas can also cause your dog to scratch excessively.
The first sign of a flea infestation is the itchiness of the flea bite. Itchy skin can result in visible patches of hair loss and red, irritated skin. If the infestation is severe, your dog could develop a potentially dangerous condition called Flea-Bite Anemia.
The best way to prevent fleas is to thoroughly vacuum your home. You should also vacuum your yard daily, especially if your pet spends a lot of time out there. Then, use a flea repellent or spray to kill the fleas in your dog’s coat.
Fleas are very resilient parasites that spread easily from one host to another. Female fleas lay up to 50 eggs per day, which hatch within two to five days. After hatching, flea larvae feed for two weeks and then pupate and mature into adult fleas. Fleas can live on your dog for months even after treatment.
