Why Are Fleas Bad For Your Pets?
WouterFleas are parasitic insects that live on warm-blooded animals, including humans and pets. The most common species is the cat flea, which feeds on cats and dogs, but can also infest humans. Fleas can jump up to eight inches horizontally and sixteen inches vertically, which makes them extremely mobile. While fleas can infest other household pests, their preference is for warm-bodied hosts, such as a dog or cat.
The best way to check for fleas is to inspect your pet regularly. Check your pet after it comes in from the outdoors, especially between the pads of their feet. If you see flea dirt on your pet, you can use a flea comb to remove them. Another way to check for fleas is to wipe your pet’s coat with a damp cloth. Flea dirt will be visible as small bloody specks on the cloth.
Fleas are not just annoying; they also have very dangerous consequences for your pets. They can cause severe itchy skin conditions, especially for pets that are sensitive to flea bites. They can also cause anemia due to blood loss. Some types of fleas can transmit tapeworms to your pet, so it is crucial to regularly check your dog for fleas before bringing them inside the house.
Fleas can also cause a decrease in blood count, which can be life threatening. A dog with a severe flea infestation will develop a blood disorder called flea bite anemia. This condition develops when the fleas feed on young animals’ red blood cells. This condition is serious, but fortunately, treatment can reverse the effects.
