Few things make a pet owner’s skin crawl like the sight of a flea hopping across their animal companion’s coat. While these tiny pests might seem like a minor inconvenience, fleas are far more than a simple nuisance. The veterinary professionals at Riverview Veterinary Center know how quickly a flea problem can spiral into a full-blown health issue. Understanding the risks and knowing how to act fast can protect your pet from serious health risks.
Pet Health Issues Caused By Fleas
Fleas are small, but their impact on your pet’s health can be surprisingly big. Once they latch onto your pet, they feed on blood and reproduce rapidly, within 1 to 10 days. These eggs fall into carpets, bedding, and furniture, turning your home into a breeding ground.
Beyond the obvious discomfort, flea infestations can cause:
- Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD): Many pets are allergic to flea saliva. Just one bite can cause severe itching, hair loss, redness, and scabbing.
- Skin Infections: Excessive scratching and biting can break the skin, leading to painful hot spots or secondary bacterial infections.
- Anemia: In puppies, kittens, or senior pets, heavy infestations can lead to anemia due to blood loss.
- Tapeworms: Fleas can carry tapeworm eggs. If a pet accidentally swallows a flea while grooming themselves or biting due to the itch, they could end up with a tapeworm infection.
How to Tell if Your Cat or Dog Has Fleas
Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to have an “outdoor” pet to get fleas. These pests can jump onto your pet from other animals, tall grass, dog parks, or even be carried into your home on clothing or shoes. Pets with fleas may:
- Scratch, lick, or bite at their skin frequently
- Have red bumps or scabs, especially near the tail or belly
- Show signs of restlessness or discomfort
- Have visible flea dirt (black specks that look like pepper)
- Show signs of hair thinning or patchy loss
Even if you don't see a live flea, these symptoms warrant a closer look.
What to Do If You Suspect Your Pet Has Fleas
If you think your pet has fleas, take action right away. The treatment depends on the severity of the infestation. Prescription-strength flea preventatives will be suggested for the pet with fleas as well as all other pets in the household (if one pet has fleas, usually all of them get fleas). Secondary treatments may be necessary if your companion has developed complications like anemia. Your home will need to be thoroughly cleaned routinely for several weeks in order to break the flea lifecycle.
Prevention is always more effective (and less stressful) than treatment. Flea control should be a year-round commitment. Here are a few prevention tips:
- Keep your pet on a vet-approved flea preventative
- Wash pet bedding and vacuum frequently
- Avoid contact with stray or infested animals
- Check your pet’s fur regularly, especially after outdoor activity
- Talk to your veterinarian about parasite prevention during annual wellness exams
Stop Fleas with Pet Parasite Prevention in St. Clair, MI
Fleas are a serious health threat to your pet and a potential infestation risk for your home. With the right approach and a trusted veterinary team, you can keep your pet comfortable and flea-free. Riverview Veterinary Center has parasite prevention and testing in St. Clair and for pets from surrounding areas like Marysville and Marine City. Contact us to schedule an appointment to make sure your pet is protected.