Top Dangers of Fleas and Ticks
Fleas and ticks are not only annoying and irritating to you and your pets, they can be downright dangerous. They can spread a variety of diseases to both humans and animals, and should be carefully avoided as much as possible. Use the proper flea and tick prevention products on your dogs, cats, and other pets to prevent an infestation in your home that can lead to any of the following dangers:
Flea Allergy Dermatitis
FAD is one of the most common allergies that pets develop. Pets who suffer from this condition are irritated by the bites of the fleas as other pets are, but they have also developed an additional allergy to the saliva of the flea that causes severe itching and irritation of the skin whenever or wherever the pet is bitten. It can also cause hive-like lesions on the pet’s body.
Tapeworms
Fleas are the number one transmitter of tapeworms to household pets. As if that weren’t bad enough, fleas can also carry certain types of tapeworm that can be transmitted to both animals and humans, so your whole family is at risk.
Hair Loss
Hair loss in pets can come as a result of the excessive scratching caused by the irritation of flea bites. This can leave pets increasingly raw, vulnerable, and exposed to the elements.
Anemia
A large number of fleas can cause anemia in your animals, especially while they are young puppies or kittens. The blood that the fleas draw can be too much for the pet to sustain, leading to an iron deficiency and anemia that will need to be treated by a vet. This condition can be fatal in extreme conditions.
Bubonic Plague
While it’s not as much of a threat in our world of modern medicine as it was historically, it is still true that some fleas have been known to spread the virus to rats who can then transit it to humans, and also directly to humans.
Lyme Disease
Ticks can transmit lyme disease to both humans and animals with their bites. If it is not detected early enough, this disease can be fatal. Make sure to check yourself and your pets frequently for ticks, especially after taking walks through long grass. If you notice a red, bulls-eye shaped rash forming on any area of yours or a family member’s body, go to the doctor immediately.
Preventing Flea Infestations
To keep fleas at bay when you have pets in your home, be sure to treat them regularly with a commercial flea repellent product. If that is not enough to prevent fleas from making a meal of your pet, then move to offensive measures. Give dogs a bath with a specially formulated flea and tick removing shampoo. Make sure to thoroughly vacuum your home and keep treating the area until all signs of fleas and ticks- both adult or egg- are gone.