Dog Diseases From Fleas
Fleas don't just cause scratching and blood loss in dogs. They also transmit internal parasites and diseases to your dog. Five different kinds of fleas can bite dogs, but generally only dog and cat fleas are the ones that transmit dog diseases. Flea medication kills or prevents growth of all types of fleas.
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Flea Allergy Dermatitis
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This is the most common medical problem dogs suffer from. The allergy to flea saliva causes the dog's skin to become unbearably itchy, swell up and, in some cases, cause the dog to have trouble breathing.
Internal Parasites
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Two internal parasites can use the flea as host from one infected animal to another. These are tapeworms and a worm that lives just under the skin called Dipetalonema reconditum.
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Tularemia
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More commonly known as rabbit fever, dogs can catch this from flea bites or eating a wild rabbit or other creature infested with the fleas. Symptoms include fever, loss of appetite and not wanting to be active.
Haemobartonellosis
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Both fleas and ticks transmit this disease of red blood cells. It causes anemia, sudden weight loss and lack of appetite. It can transmit to cats in a more lethal form.
Transmitting to Humans
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One disease from dog or cat flea bites can transmit to humans: typhus. Dogs are not affected by typhus.
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Resources
- Photo Credit The enemy. Image from Wikimedia Commons.
