Many pets with fleas only experience some pruritis (itchy skin).
More severe infestations in paediatric, geriatric & pets with low immune systems can be life-threatening, as it can cause them to become very anaemic and suffer with Flea Anaemia due to low red blood cell levels with fleas feeding.
Pet’s can also be allergic to flea saliva (flea allergy dermatitis) which causes itching & discomfort. Fleas can be located anywhere, regular pet checks by running a flea comb through the coat will catch any live fleas & their dirt (flea faeces). Flea dirt appears like black/brown speckles which are made up of digested blood, when placed on a wet tissue it will start to turn red/brown in colour around the piece of dirt.
Signs of anaemia:
- Lethargy
- Reluctant to exercise
- Dark faeces
- Dark blood in faeces +/- vomit
- Pale mucous membranes
- Skin bruising
Treatment:
If your pet is experiencing any of these signs, seek veterinary advice straight away; dark faeces, blood in faeces/vomit can be a medical emergency that requires treatment.
Some serious cases require a blood transfusion.
Your vet will determine the safest form of treatment available and prevent any further risk to your pet’s health/life.
You will also need to treat the environment as even when your pet has had preventative treatment, fleas lay eggs in their surroundings which will hatch under favourable conditions, if this is not done then re-infestation will occur.
