Ticks and fleas may be small, but the damage they can cause to your dog’s health is not minor. These parasites don’t just make your dog itchy, they can carry serious diseases, cause allergic reactions, and even lead to long-term health problems.
Understanding and using proper flea and tick control measures can help keep your furry friend safe, comfortable, and healthy.
The following are some of the problems caused by ticks and fleas.
Itching and Skin Problems
One of the first signs of a flea or tick problem is your dog scratching excessively. Flea bites can cause intense itching and discomfort. This constant itching can lead to red, inflamed skin and even hair loss.
Ticks can irritate the skin, especially around the ears, neck, and paws. If left untreated, your dog may develop infections from scratching or biting at the affected areas. Consistent grooming and good flea and tick control can help prevent these skin issues from starting.
Blood Loss
Fleas and ticks that stay longer can lead to blood loss in your dog, and it will ultimately make your dog weak. Puppies, small breeds, or older dogs are at more risk of anemia because of their weak immune system. This will cause fatigue, weakness, pale gums, and even fainting in severe cases.
Ticks and fleas also feed on blood. If your dog looks weak or tired, especially after a known tick or flea issue, it’s important to consult your vet right away. Early flea and tick control for dogs can help prevent them from suffering from more diseases later.
Disease Transmission
Ticks and fleas, if left untreated, affect your dog’s health by transmitting different diseases. They carry different bacteria and viruses that can be life-threatening. Fleas carry tapeworms and bacteria, which can cause infections and problems like fever, joint pain, and even kidney problems.
A dog may experience weight loss and stomach problems because of tapeworms transmitted by fleas. Keeping up with flea and tick control is one of the best ways to reduce the risk of these deadly diseases.
Allergies and Infections
Some dogs are especially sensitive to flea bites and may experience allergic reactions. This can result in constant licking, chewing, and scratching that eventually leads to open wounds. These damaged areas can easily become infected if bacteria enter the skin, and it will take a lot of time for those wounds to heal.
Ticks can also trigger local allergic reactions. Once a skin infection sets in, your dog may need antibiotics or other treatments, which could have been avoided with timely flea and tick control.
Behavior Changes
Parasites don’t just affect your dog’s health and body, but they can also impact behavior. A dog that’s constantly itchy, uncomfortable, or sick can become irritable, aggressive, and difficult to handle. Dogs suffering from tick and flea problems also lose interest in eating or playing.
If you don’t treat this problem at an early stage, your dog’s quality of life will be affected greatly, and they will not be as active as they were before.
