What problems do fleas cause?
Fleas cause irritation by biting the skin to suck blood. Also, flea saliva contains a chemical that can cause an allergic reaction, resulting in itching and reddened skin. Some allergic dogs develop hot spots distinct areas of irritated, angry-red weeping skin. Others develop a chronic (long-term) irritation over large areas of skin. Cats show signs varying from mild irritation to severe itching and hair loss. Allergic cats may develop reddened or crusted areas on the back. Fleas can transmit tapeworms. Pets that are infested with fleas should be examined around the anus for evidence of small, white tapeworm segments. Fresh fecal (stool) samples should be inspected for tapeworm segments and a microscopic fecal test performed to check for tapeworm eggs. How is flea infestation diagnosed? Diagnosis is based on the presence of fleas or black flecks of flea diret aroun the animal’s tail, rump, neck, and underline. How are fleas eliminated? A flea spend most of the four stages of its life (
