Fleas, Ticks and Your Dog
Fleas and Ticks are not as harmless as they
might seem. Besides being really
annoying and uncomfortable for your
dog, they can also cause serious
health problems.
Fleas
Fleas are aggravating almost-invisible insects that can make your dog’s life miserable – to say the least. Flea bites itch tremendously and will definitely make you dog scratch and bite excessively on the effected areas - but that’s not all. Fleas may also carry diseases and cause your dog to have an allergic reaction.
Some medical problems due to flea infestation include:
Tapeworm
Dogs may become infected with tapeworm if they consume a tapeworm-infected flea. This goes for cats too.
Flea Allergy Dermatitis
(FAD)
Flea Allergy Dermatitis occurs when your dog reacts to the saliva that the fleas leave on your dog’s skin. This causes severe itching and in some cases also scabs or lumps on your dog’s back or neck.
Anemia
Anemia can occur if too many fleas suck your pet’s blood. Weakness and pale gums are common signs.
Ticks
Ticks are very tiny and really hard to notice before they have actually attached to your dog and sucked blood until they have become puffed-up. Ticks can be found all over the US, but tend to flourish in moderate temperatures and high humidity. Ticks are really wicked creatures since they often carry and transmit diseases, some which can cause serious health problems for your dog.
Signs that your dog may have been infected by a disease transmitted by a tick include, but are not limited to, fever, cough, loss of appetite, depression, lameness and pain in legs or body. If you think that your dog might have been infected by a tick, you should always contact your vet immediately.
Some medical problems due to Tick
infestation include:
Ehrlichiosis
Ehrlichiosis attacks your dog’s
white blood cells, but can often
be treated with antibiotic therapy.
Signs of Ehrlichiosis include depression,
lameness, loss of appetite and fever.
Rocky Mountain Spotted
Fever
If left untreated, this disease
may in fact cause serious damage
to your dog and in same cases even
death. The signs of Rocky Mountain
Spotted Fever include, but are not
limited to fever, loss of appetite,
coughing, lameness, vomiting and
diarrhea.
Babesiosis
Signs of Babesiosis include loss
of appetite, fever and anemia, but
shock, coma and even death may occur.
This disease can be treated with
a variety of drugs, but a blood
transfusion may sometimes be required
in order to beat it.
Lyme Disease
Lyme Disease is a bacterial infection.
Signs include fever, fatigue, loss
of appetite, lameness and enlargement
of the lymph nodes. This disease,
which can also affect humans, is
often quickly treated with antibiotics.
Protect your
Dog from Ticks and Fleas!
When it comes to protecting your
dog from fleas and ticks, Frontline
products and K9 Advantix are great
options.
Products
from 1-800 PetMeds
Frontline 6pk Small Dog 1-22 Lbs
Frontline Top Spot Provides Convenient
And Effective Flea And Tick Control
For Dogs And Puppies. Frontline
Brand Products Are The #1 Choice
Of Veterinarians! Fast-acting. Long-lasting.
Waterproof Even After Frequent Bathing.
Prevents Re-infestations. Convenient
To Use. Controls Fleas Which May
Cause Flea Allergy Dermatitis. Kills
All Stages Of 4 Major Ticks, Including
Those That May Carry Lyme Disease.
Kills chewing lice. Use On Puppies
10 Weeks And Older. 6 Topical Monthy
Treatments.
