Table of Contents
Symptoms of Fleas on a Pet
What Can Happen If Fleas Go Untreated
How to Prevent Fleas
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Can Fleas Eventually Kill a Pet?
- By Sarah
-
- April 8, 2024
- 2 MIN READ
Ah, the pesky little critters known as fleas - the bane of every pet owner's existence. These minuscule blood-suckers may seem insignificant at first glance, but don't let their size fool you. Fleas are not just annoying; they can pose serious health risks to our beloved furry friend if left unchecked.
Fleas are tiny insects that thrive on the blood of mammals, including our cherished pets. They can easily infest our homes and latch onto pets, nestle in their fur and cause a handful of problems if not dealt with promptly and properly.
Symptoms of Fleas on a Pet
Spotting a flea on your pet is no easier than trying to find a needle in a haystack - they're small, agile, and experts at hiding. However, there are obvious signs that your pet may have fleas.
Scratching, biting or licking:
Keep an eye out for excessive scratching, biting, or licking. Flea bites can cause intense itching and discomfort, so your pet will try to seek relief through scratching.
Red and/or irritated skin:
You might notice red, irritated skin or small bumps on your pet's body, particularly around the neck, back, and base of the tail.
Finding flea dirt:
If you part your pet's fur and observe tiny, dark specks resembling pepper flakes, congratulations - you've discovered flea dirt. Flea dirt is actually flea faeces, consisting of digested blood, and is a surefire sign of a flea infestation.
What Can Happen If Fleas Go Untreated
You’ll be playing a dangerous game (and with your pet’s health) if you ignore a flea infestation. While fleas themselves may not directly cause death, their presence can lead to many complications that affect your pet’s well-being.
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Skin Infections
Constant scratching and biting can also result in painful skin infections and hot spots, further exacerbating your pet's discomfort and more than likely leading to a sky high vet bill!
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Transmission of Diseases
One of the most concerning risks associated with fleas is the transmission of diseases. Fleas can carry a plethora of harmful pathogens, including tapeworms and Bartonella (the bacteria responsible for cat scratch fever).
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Anemia
Severe flea infestations that are left untreated can cause anemia, especially in young or debilitated pets, due to the loss of blood from repeated feeding.
How to Prevent Fleas
Prevention over cure is undoubtedly the best course of action when it comes to dealing with fleas. Fortunately, there are numerous measures you can take to protect your pet and your home:
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Topical Treatment: Using preventative spot-on treatments will provide regular and repeat protection to your pet, like the Itch Flea Treatment for Dogs and Itch Flea Treatment for Cats.
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Regular Grooming: This helps to detect and remove fleas before they have a chance to multiply.
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Maintaining a Cleaning Routine: Keeping a clean and hygienic living environment is also crucial in the battle against fleas. Hoover your home frequently, paying close attention to areas where your pet spends the most time, such as their bedding and favorite lounging spots. Washing your pet's bedding in hot water regularly can also help eliminate any flea eggs or larvae lurking within.
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Treating your home: Consider protecting your home and outdoor areas with flea control products to minimise the risk of reinfestation, like the Itch Flea Home Spray.
While fleas may seem insignificant, they have the potential to wreak havoc on your pet's health if left unchecked. Now you know the symptoms of fleas and taking proactive preventative measures, and after all, a happy, healthy pet is worth every effort in the world. Remember, a proactive approach is key to keeping fleas at bay and safeguarding your pet's health and happiness.
Get rid of fleas, ticks AND lice... and stop them coming back!
Fleas, ticks and lice can be a nightmare, but with the right approach, you can take control and rid your pets and home of these bothersome pests. Remember that parasites can be persistent, so patience and regular treatment will be your best friends! By addressing both your pet and their environment, you can ensure a flea-free and comfortable living space for both your furry companion and your family.
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Can Pet Fleas Live On Clothing?
Fleas are a nuisance of the best times when on your beloved pets, but even more so if they make the leap to you! This article gets you up to speed with the flea lifecycle, answers the burning question of can fleas live on clothing? And how to get rid of the blighters and stop them making an unwelcome return!
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Treatment Issues
Why is my pet still scratching after applying a Flea Treatment?
Not all flea treatments are created equal. Itch Flea is a double action spot on treatment that not only contains Fipronil but also (unlike lots of other flea treatments), (S) Methoprene. This means that it not only targets the adult fleas feeding on your pets and kills them dead in 24 hours (and ticks in 48 hours), it also targets flea eggs and larvae, stopping the fast and furious flea life cycle dead in its tracks.
We asked in-house Itch vet, Dr. Zoe Costigan to give us the lowdown on why your cat or dog might still be scratching after applying a flea treatment to your pet. Here's what she had to say:
“It’s fairly normal for there to be a period of hyperactivity amongst the fleas as the active ingredients in a flea treatment take effect and this can cause an increase in your pet scratching. It should settle down after 24 hours. If after 24 hours your pet continues to scratch, there could be other things going on. Your pet could be flea-allergic, it could have a skin infection or a hormone imbalance, or other conditions which can lead to itchiness.”
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General
What is the flea life cycle and how can you break it?
Fleas can turn into a massive headache for us, pet owners. Understanding the flea life cycle is crucial to effectively fighting off infestations and keeping your pets as well as your home flea-free. Scroll to see the flea life cycle, all four stages - egg, larvae, pupae and adult - and explore how you can break it to eliminate the pests.