In severe infestations, pets can even develop anemia. This is because flea's feast on their host's blood, which in high enough numbers, can cause quite a bit of blood loss for that animal. Fleas can also carry other parasites and infectious diseases, such as the tapeworm parasite.
Can fleas cause anemia in dogs?
Flea infestations are a leading cause of anemia in dogs, especially small breeds and puppies. Treating the flea infestation is paramount when dealing with dogs with flea-related anemia. Flea anemia is caused by fleas drinking so much blood that the dog has an insufficient amount of red blood cells left.
Can dogs get anemia from ticks?
Although rare, ticks can consume enough of your dog's blood to cause a deficiency called anemia. Certain female ticks can also cause a rare paralysis in dogs as a result of a toxin they produce while feeding. More important, ticks are capable of causing many diseases in your pet.
Can a flea infestation cause anemia?
Flea infestations can lead to severe flea bite anemia. Young, old, and severely debilitated cats are most at risk.
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.
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