Why Are Fleas Bad For Dogs?
WouterFleas have four life stages: adult, larva, pupa, and egg. Each stage lasts a month to a year. Female fleas lay their eggs on the host animal after taking a blood meal, and the eggs hatch after two to three days. The flea larva then feeds on blood and dirt, and eventually develops into an adult flea. Adult fleas then seek blood meals to survive.
Controlling fleas requires taking preventative measures to reduce their populations. First, you must treat the area where flea larvae develop. The largest concentrations of developing fleas can be found indoors. Cleaning the interior of your home frequently and washing your pet’s bedding regularly will help reduce the population. Outdoor areas where your dog spends time outdoors are also a prime flea habitat. Vacuuming the area outside regularly is also crucial to reduce the number of fleas.
Infections caused by fleas can lead to various health problems. They can cause anemia, which is a drop in red blood cells. Signs of anemia can include pale gums and a lack of energy. Moreover, fleas can cause serious skin problems in dogs. The saliva of fleas can cause an allergic reaction, which can lead to intense itching and red, irritated skin.
The second problem caused by fleas is their ability to reproduce. They lay thousands of eggs in their lifetime and these eggs can develop into adult fleas. Fleas are extremely hardy creatures. One egg can survive up to one year in your dog, but a heavy infestation can lead to anaemia, which can lead to other health issues.
