Tapeworms are an intestinal parasite that dogs acquire by eating infected fleas or by consuming wild animals infested with tapeworms or fleas. Once the dog eats the flea, the tapeworm egg hatches and attaches to the dog's intestinal lining.
Can dogs get parasites from fleas?
If your dog is suffering from a flea infestation, they are also at risk of picking up an intestinal worm. Fleas are common transmitters of tapeworms, and if your dog swallows infected fleas when grooming, they could develop tapeworms.
Can fleas cause parasites?
Fleas as parasite vectors Fleas are known to transmit parasites, such as tapeworm, which primarily affect pets. Adult fleas infected with tapeworm may be accidentally ingested by cats or dogs during grooming.
Can flea infestation make a dog sick?
Left untreated, fleas can multiply rapidly and make your dog seriously ill. That's why it's important to check your dog for fleas on a regular basis and act quickly to eliminate any outbreaks that occur. Some dogs are severely allergic to flea saliva and can experience extreme discomfort even from a single flea bite.
What happens if a dog has fleas for a long time?
Your dog's constant scratching may lead to visible patches of hair loss and reddened, irritated skin. Fleas may also cause skin allergies and can transmit other parasites, such as tapeworms, to your dog.
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