Fleas

Disruption of general well-being

Dog flea
Ctenocephalides canis

Most dogs make the acquaintance of fleas at some point during their lifetimes. Usually, the species they encounter is the dog flea (Ctenocephalides canis). The fleas are carried from animal to animal and can reproduce very rapidly. People can suffer from itchy flea-bites, too.

In animals, flea infestation can disrupt general well-being, cause itching, redness, hair loss, severe skin infections in certain cases, and an allergy to flea saliva in many cases. Hypersensitivity to flea saliva is the major cause of flea allergy dermatitis (FAD), in dogs typically occurring as hot spots. Other harmful effects in dogs are anemia in cases of severe infestation (younger dogs may even die), the transmission of bacterial diseases and the transmission of tapeworms.

Prevention and treatment

The key to the prevention of flea infestation is adequate general care by the pet owner. First of all the fur has to be brushed regularly because matted fur is a perfect breeding ground for parasites. For permanent prevention a flea collar is most feasible.

If flea infestation has occurred, the dog can be treated with specific topical solutions, spot-on products, powders, sprays, oral formulations or shampoos.

Learn more about fleas and flea control.