If a large number of fleas bite and feed, your dog can develop anemia, or low red blood cells. This serious medical condition must be promptly addressed through veterinary care, especially in puppies. Symptoms of anemia include weakness, lethargy, rapid breathing and potentially death if the fleas are not killed.
Can fleas lead to anemia?
Several fleas on a neonatal animal can actually cause them to be anemic. This is when their red blood cell count is low. Depending on how low the count is, we can see internal organ or brain damage. These young animals typically need a blood transfusion and aggressive flea medication for survival.
How do you treat an anemic dog with flea bites?
An oral cat and dog flea medication, such as Capstar can be given, which quickly kills adult fleas within a few hours. Warm subcutaneous or IV fluid therapy may be needed, in addition to supportive vitamin therapy. In severe cases, transfusion may be necessary to restore red blood cell counts to normal.
What does flea anemia look like?
The affected animal will have pale gums (normal gums are shell-pink; anemic gums can be completely white). In advanced disease, the patient will be listless and even cold. A flea comb can be used to check for flea dirt.
Can ticks and fleas cause anemia in dogs?
Blood loss is the most common reason for anemia in dogs. If a dog has enough ticks, or in the case of small puppies, fleas, they can lose enough blood to become anemic. If the situation persists long enough, tissue damage and even death can occur, due to the chronic low oxygen state.
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