If those ingested fleas are infected with tapeworms, the dog could become infected as well. Once in the digestive system, the tapeworms will attach themselves to the intestinal lining using their sucker-like mouthparts. If your dog is infected with tapeworms, you may see pieces of the worms around your dog's backside.
What happens if a dog swallows a flea?
Fleas can transmit a tapeworm infection to your dog if she ingests a flea containing tapeworm eggs. Inside your dog's digestive tract, the tapeworm egg matures into an adult tapeworm with a segmented body that can grow to several feet.
What happens if fleas are ingested?
Flea larvae feed on the eggs of tapeworms. Once swallowed, the tapeworms begin to develop in the gut of the flea. If an animal swallows an infected flea while grooming, the animal also becomes infected with the tapeworm. ... Fleas also can transmit serious diseases, such as the bubonic plague.
What happens when cats swallow fleas?
Once your cat swallows a flea infected with tapeworm larvae, the flea becomes digested, releasing the larvae. It can take up to one month for larvae to reach maturity, notes the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Adult tapeworms will then produce segments.
Is flea harmful to pets?
Fleas are irritating, but they can also cause some more serious complications in dogs, which is why flea control and prevention is so important. The three biggest concerns are: Flea allergy dermatitis. Anemia.
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