Dog Flea Infection Complications | Canine Flea Infection Complications

Fleas represent a potentially serious health risk. There’s tapeworm, for starters. A flea could already be infected with tapeworm when it attaches itself to a particular dog, and that flea most certainly will introduce the tapeworm to the dog as it feeds on the dog’s blood. The same goes for any other diseases the flea may be carrying; an affected dog is at risk of contracting any parasite or disease that the flea carries and could become seriously ill from one little flea bite.

Untreated canine flea infections can also lead to life-threatening, iron-deficiency anemia in small or weak dogs. Fleas drain the blood of oxygen-rich red blood cells as they feed, preventing sufficient amounts of oxygen from flowing to organs and muscles. Resulting anemia will manifest itself through appetite loss, lethargy and weakness. Gums and tongue will also turn pale pink or white, and in severe cases, a heart murmur may develop and pulse and respiration grow rapid. The affected dog may also collapse upon exertion. Again, all this from the bites of a group of such miniscule little creatures.

Excessive scratching of the affected area by the dog may cause skin sores, or hot spots, that are characterized by moist, foul-smelling areas of hair, blood or pus and thickened, warm, red or painful skin. It is not difficult to see how these hot spots could become infected themselves from a dog’s continual itching. This is torture for hypersensitive dogs who are afflicted with flea allergy dermatitis. Not only must they undergo treatment for the flea infestation itself, but they have to endure treatment for the infected hot spots. A dog could become quite miserable!

Flea infestations are also linked to canine ear infections from infestations in the ear or ears, the development of autoimmune diseases in skin weakened by excessive itching and hot spot eruption, and acral lick granulomas (open sores) from excessive grooming.

Finally, let us not forget the potential for infestation of the home and yard by fleas that are left to multiply unchecked! Prompt treatment of a flea infestation is crucial for both dog and dog parent before the situation gets out of control and puts the entire family at serious health risk.

Canine Flea Infection Symptoms,Canine Flea Infections, Canine Flea Remedies,

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