Dog Diseases From Fleas

Fleas can cause more problems for dogs than just itching. Skin conditions and other issues can be traced back to fleas. These conditions are important reasons why you should keep fleas off your dog.

According to Race Foster, DVM, of Drs. Foster & Smith, fleas can cause diseases such as haemobartonellosis, plague, and tapeworm. Fleas are also responsible for an itchy skin condition called flea allergy dermatitis.

Flea allergy dermatitis affects dogs allergic to flea saliva---this allergy therefore only occurs if fleas have a chance to bite the dog. Haemobartonellosis is usually transmitted by ticks, but can be transmitted through flea bites as well. This pathogenic disease causes a type of anemia, which may be mild or severe. Tapeworm, an intestinal parasite, is usually only a slight health nuisance. For puppies or dogs in ill health, however, infection with tapeworm can compromise general health---especially intestinal health. Plague is caused by a bacteria and is usually carried by the rat flea (which can live on, and bite, other animals).

Flea allergy dermatitis is characterized by hair loss and itchy, sometimes inflamed areas---especially near the tail or around the face. Haemobartonellosis symptoms depend on the severity and whether or not the dog has other diseases or is otherwise in ill health. According to Drs. Foster & Smith, symptoms include fever, weight loss, appetite loss and depression. If your dog has tapeworm, you may notice white worm segments on the hindquarters---though sometimes dogs can be infested without owners noticing these worms. The most common symptoms dogs with plague show is swollen glands (lymph nodes).

Prevent these diseases by preventing fleas from biting your pet. Just one bite can spread disease or cause an allergic reaction. Topical or oral flea medicines that kill fleas in all stages (including the biting adult stage) will help prevent diseases from fleas.

Flea allergy dermatitis requires ridding the dog of fleas and then treating the itch with corticosteroids or antihistamines. Tapeworm is usually treated with a medicine containing praziquantel. Haemobartonellosis and plague are treated with antibiotics.

Other skin disorders resemble flea allergy dermatitis. If the condition persists, make sure to take your dog to a vet. During warm episodes of rain or humidity, be prepared for an onslaught of fleas, unless your dog is on a good flea preventative---this is true even in the case of indoor dogs. Fleas easily travel indoors from outside on your clothing.