Can Fleas Make a Dog Sick? 5 Health Issues Caused by Flea Infestations

One of the well-known hazards of being a pet owner is flea bites and ticks, which often lurk in long grass where many of our dogs tend to lie.

At worst, a flea bite can result in health issues for your dog, such as bacterial infections, anemia, and others that you and your dog would rather avoid. At best, it’s an itchy nuisance you could also do without.

Today we look at flea infestations, which ones your pooch is most at risk of, and how to take preventive measures. Because nothing is more important than understanding the risks and ensuring they are minimized for a healthy and happy doggy life. Read on for all the basics!

Flea Infestations: Understanding Them

Fleas have a short, albeit parasitic life cycle. Starting from the egg stage, they evolve into the larva stage, pupa (cocooned,) and finally become a fully grown six-legged (potential) disease -carrier. Fleas prefer animal hosts to humans but will settle for humans if no animal is around. They’re not that picky.

In dogs, the neck and shoulder blades are reportedly the most common areas for fleas. This is why you will see dogs pawing and scratching these areas. The problem is that the adult fleas latch onto these areas and lay their eggs there.

Left untreated, a minor infestation can become substantial, which is harder to eradicate and more unpleasant for your dog. That’s why paying attention and treating these potential issues ASAP is better.

But What Health Risks Are Carried By Fleas?

Flea Allergy Dermatitis

FAD occurs when flea saliva is injected into your dog’s skin when it feeds. The antigens in the saliva cause your dog to itch intensely, especially if you have a particularly sensitive dog.

It’s not always a sign of a significant infestation, as a single flea drops off right after feeding. Merely the flea’s act of feeding can cause FAD, and it carries additional symptoms such as skin irritation and redness. Nasty and irritating for your pooch!

Anemia

This one is more unpleasant. Anemia occurs when the fleas remove so much blood from your pooch’s system that they don’t have enough red blood cells left for a healthy life.

In worse cases, small animals like dogs and cats can require a blood transfusion, which is expensive. The symptoms are lethargy and pale gums. Yes, pinky-red is a healthy color.

Tapeworm Infestations

Some fleas carry dipylidium caninum larvae, which, when ingested by your dog, can result in the manifestation of the tapeworm.

Bacterial Infections

Fleas also carry dangerous bacteria, leading to unpleasant diseases such as Rickettsia typhi, Rickettsia, Yersinia pestis, Bartonella, and marine typhus.

Bartonella

Also known as “cat scratch fever,” it is a bacterial infection contracted through the bloodstream by fleas, ticks, lice, and even sand flies. It causes inflammation of the organs, including the heart.

In this case, your dog could experience coughing, difficulty breathing, and fainting. It can be quite serious and debilitating and is characterized by sore muscles, swollen lymph nodes, vomiting and diarrhea, nose bleeds, and dry nose.

Flea Infestations: Preventive Actions

Grooming and cleanliness are the keys to preventing and treating flea infestations. You can purchase dog flea shampoo to deal with fleas. In general, hoovering and washing your animal’s fur is essential.

Keeping a clean home and short grass can also minimize the risk. You can also limit your dog’s exposure to outdoor areas where fleas are more likely to live. This includes fields with long grass, sand, and debris-heavy regions. All this helps prevent fleas from using your doggo as a host.

When to Seek the Vet

Expert veterinary care is vital in cases where your dog is experiencing severe symptoms. Equally, if you are uncertain of the risks, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Take your dog to the vet. Severe symptoms include lethargy, decreased appetite, excessive itching, and red-raw skin.

Preventing Fleas in Your Canine Companion

An acute awareness of the risk of fleas will keep your dog as safe from them as possible. Otherwise, an infected animal carries risks not just for them but you and your family too. The risk of eschewing flea prevention could lead to Lyme disease, rabies, and other nasty diseases. If your dog has a flea allergy, it could be even worse.

But if you take all the steps and your dog gets a flea bite anyway, don’t stress. Take the flea control steps described above, whether through flea medication, shampoo, or other consistent flea treatments.

Want to know more about how to be a responsible pet owner? Check out our website for all things furry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can fleas be transmitted from dogs to humans?

Yes, humans can pick up fleas from dogs. Fleas will go from one host to another, and if your dog spends a lot of time outside and then cuddles with you, the risk of becoming the new host increases.

What is the best way to check for fleas on my dog?

The best way is to carefully inspect your dog’s skin, parting your dog’s fur. It shouldn’t be too difficult if your dog loves physical affection. Just look out for tiny, dark insects smaller than ants. They’re small but can be a massive irritant for your furry friend.

Are there natural remedies for flea infestations in dogs?

Removing fleas by hand (and by flea comb) is possible, but there are also products such as oils that are terrific flea-removal tools.

Can flea collars effectively prevent infestations?

Flea collars are an excellent way to prevent infestations, but not treat them. It is reported that the substances secreted in flea collars aren’t strong enough to kill adult fleas.

How often should I treat my dog for fleas?

Staying on top of your dog’s health and de-flea and de-worm your pet’s fur once a month is essential. This will prevent skin irritation and bacterial infections and sustain your pet’s health for the long term.