Most owners know that when they’re taking their dogs outside, they must beware of parasites. Usually, dogs can get external parasites when coming in contact with the parasites in certain areas or through animals that have these parasites. One of the most common examples of parasites that your dog can acquire is fleas.
Fleas are parasites that not only irritate your pet but could also bother you. They are also the most frequent cause of skin problems in dogs. As an owner, wanting to prevent these parasites from causing harm to your dog should be a priority. However, you may not know enough about fleas. Fortunately for you, in this article, you’ll learn about the causes and effects of fleas on your pet.
Causes of Fleas:
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Being Outdoors
As mentioned, your pet can acquire these parasites by interacting with the environment’s fleas. When your pet is outside frequently, the possibility of being infested by fleas is significantly higher. Grassy fields and shady areas are typically the places that these parasites stay in to look for a host. Even your backyard can pose a risk to your dog of potentially getting bitten by a flea. So every time you take your pet outdoors, always check for any signs of fleas and other parasites once you get indoors again.
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Contact with Other Animals
When your dog engages with other animals infested by fleas, your pet can also get them. While a flea can jump from one dog to another, most fleas stay with them once they have found a host. Both feral animals and other home pets, such as cats, can give fleas to dogs. Even though socialization is crucial for dogs, it can also lead to flea infestations. Therefore, be cautious of other animals and maintain a safe distance from them when taking your dog outside.
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Pet Services
If you take your dogs to specific pet services like daycare or training centers that let them interact with other dogs, then this can be another cause. Most facilities follow a strict routine to ensure their area is flea-free. However, this can’t be guaranteed, so you should always be careful when taking your dog to these places. You must be cautious of where you let your dog stay and who you let your dog stay with to ensure that it will not be a victim to fleas.
Effects of Fleas:
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Skin Irritation
Skin irritation is the first and most common effect of fleas you’ll see in your dog. When fleas bite dogs, they leave a tiny red bump. This bump can cause itchiness and, when scratched, can cause further inflammation. Once you notice your dog scratch, rub or bite itself multiple times, check for fleas. When you spot these parasites, get your pet treated immediately.
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Hair Loss
Another effect of fleas on your dog is hair loss. When a bite gets repeatedly scratched, your dog might lose some hair. Bald patches can also be seen if left untreated. If you notice your dog scratching to the point of hair loss, check it for any signs of a flea infestation. Get treatment for your pet to avoid more severe symptoms when you see fleas.
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Flea-borne Diseases
Fleas can transmit diseases to your pet when they inject their saliva. These diseases include anemia, tapeworms, flea allergy dermatitis, and more. Common symptoms of these diseases are scratching, hair loss, weight loss, vomiting, and fever, just to mention a few. You should alert a vet to check your dog’s health upon noticing these symptoms.
Those are some of the causes and effects of fleas on your dog. If you think your pet is suffering from a flea infestation, you should be already prepared to know what you have to do when dealing with fleas. Hopefully, you found this article helpful in learning more about fleas, where they come from, and what they can do.
