Flea allergies in one of the most common in dogs and flea allergy dermatitis equals inflammation for you pet.
Dogs with hypersensitivity to flea saliva can cause them sever skin inflammation and itching that lasts for days or even weeks. The scratching and licking often leads to a skin infection which makes itching even worse.
Your dogs tongue is slightly rough and can actually lick away layers of their skin. This opens them up to bacteria and bigger problems. Owners need to not only treat the dog but you entire home, yard and/or outdoor kennel.
Fleas cause blood loss which can lead to anemia. Particularly true for small puppies and kittens who do not have blood to spare.
Fleas play an essential role in the life cycles of the Dipylidium caninum tapeworm ("flea tapeworm"). The adult D. caninum tapeworm lives in animals small intestines. As the tapeworm grows each segment if full of eggs and as these segments are past through the feces to the ground. Where on the ground they dry and break open releasing the eggs. The flea larva eat the eggs and grow worms inside of them. When you pet ingests the fleas (usually through them grooming themselves) the flea's release the tapeworm into your pet completing the cycle.
Dipylidium caninum tapeworm can not be passed from Cat to Cat or Dog to Dog.
Some Flea and Tick Myths:
Cold Weather Kills Fleas: Fleas thrive in the fall and early winter months. Live all year long in your home and warmer climates.
Few Fleas Visible only a Minor Problem: You are only seeing the adult and not the hundreds of eggs, larvae and pupae developing.
Fleas Prefer Carpet: Fleas lay in wait in cracks of hardwood floor, laminates or tiles waiting for a host to go by.
City Pets Don't Need Flea and Tick Prevention: Fleas and Ticks live on wildlife, grass or foliage and encounters with other pets.
