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what to know about fleas, ticks, and your pet
In this blog, we’ll dig into the nitty-gritty of flea- and tick-borne diseases and how you, as a pet owner, can help protect your furry friend from contracting them.
Flea-borne diseases and conditions
Even though fleas carry only a few diseases, they can still wreak havoc on your pet’s body. Below is a breakdown of flea-borne diseases and conditions, their symptoms, and how to treat them. Additional information can be found here.
Tapeworms: Tapeworms are transmitted when a dog or cat swallows an infected flea. Once inside your pet’s intestines, tapeworms can grow up to eight inches long and are often spotted in your pet’s poop. Other signs of tapeworms include your pet dragging their butt or scooting (evidently, worms on your butt are not comfortable). Specific deworming medication is given to rid your pet of the tapeworms.
Flea allergies: Some dogs and cats are allergic to flea saliva and can experience a strong reaction to bites. Symptoms include itching, scratching, constant self-grooming, red skin, and fur loss. When it comes to treatment, anti-inflammatories, antibiotics, and special shampoos can help, but one of the best ways to avoid flea dermatitis is through flea-control products (more on that below).
Flea-related anemia: Though fleas are tiny, their bites can cause anemia (low red blood cell count) in dogs and cats. Symptoms of anemia include loss of appetite, pale gums, lethargy, and weight loss. In extreme cases, it can even be life-threatening.
Tick-borne diseases
There are varieties of ticks all over the United States, and many of them carry diseases. Below is a breakdown of the various tick-borne diseases, symptoms, and treatment. If you see that a tick has bitten your pet, this is a great opportunity to use your 24/7 Pet Chat™, or book an in-person appointment with your veterinarian (safely putting the tick in a jar to bring into the appointment can be very helpful). Additional information on tick-borne diseases can be found here.
Lyme disease: Symptoms of Lyme disease include loss of appetite, fever, lameness, and lethargy. If left untreated, it can cause kidney disease, arthritis, and heart disease. Treatment for Lyme disease includes a course of antibiotics and monitoring for recurrence.
Rocky Mountain spotted fever: Symptoms of Rocky Mountain spotted fever include loss of appetite, fever, muscle/joint pain, digestive issues, and hemorrhaging around the eyes, nose, and gums. Antibiotics are used for treatment, and hospitalization may be necessary.
Ehrlichiosis: Symptoms of Ehrlichiosis include weight loss, fever, joint pain, and blood clots. Treatment includes a course of antibiotics and supportive care for advanced cases.
Anaplasmosis: Symptoms of anaplasmosis include lethargy, fever, and loss of appetite, and is treated by a course of antibiotics.
Babesiosis: Symptoms of babesiosis include pale gums, dark urine, jaundice, and bloody poop. Treatment includes antimalarial medication and antibiotics.
Tularemia: Symptoms of tularemia include high fever, pain, jaundice, and organ failure. Treatment requires a course of antibiotics.
Flea and tick prevention
Thankfully there are ways to prevent your pet from contracting any one of these diseases or conditions. In addition to doing regular checks for fleas and ticks on your pet and keeping your home as clean as possible, the best way to keep these little critters from bothering your pet is with flea and tick preventives.
Forms of prevention include topical and oral treatments. Talk to your pet’s veterinarian about which method will work best for your pet, and remember to stay on top of their scheduled prevention treatments. Skipping a dose will make your dog or cat vulnerable to a flea or tick bite, and prevention is much safer, easier, and less time-consuming than treating the disease or condition.
