The Importance of Timely and Effective Dog Flea Treatment

Dog fleas are a common seasonal parasite which regularly plagues canines and can bring along a number of complications. The wide availability of treatments and cures leaves no excuses for letting a dog suffer prolonged infestations and possibly incur long-term damage. Here is the rundown on the nature of dog fleas and how they affect their hosts and environment.

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The enemy
Dog fleas, or Ctenocephalides canis, are a blood-sucking parasite species which targets primarily canine hosts. They are similar to cat fleas but are less likely to attack other hosts, such as humans. Their survival period without food is a few months, and female specimens need blood before they can lay eggs in their host’s coat, about 4,000 at a time. The eggs go through a four-stage cycle until maturing over a couple of weeks’ time.

Symptoms
Fleas cause dogs considerable discomfort and agitation. Infested canines scratch their heads and necks and often bite their hind areas and tails – these are fleas’ preferred spots. The continued scratching leaves the skin inflamed and can even result in hair loss. These physical symptoms are often paired with psychological ones, making dogs more nervous and anxious than usual.

Complications
Fleas are more than just a passing annoyance; they can bring on a number of serious complications for dog health. Based on About.com’s detailed report, here are some of them. First off, the non-stop itching and scratching wear out canine fur and skin, exposing the body to various diseases which often bring unpleasant odours along. In addition, many dogs develop allergic dermatitis due to excessive contact with flea saliva. Fleas can also infect a dog with tapeworms which are notoriously difficult to cure. Excessive biting and blood-sucking can sometimes leave a canine anaemic.

Dangers to human health
Many of the above ailments will apply to humans, too. As this account in the Guardian illustrates, the itchy bites affect everyone in the household. In humans, the bites concentrate in areas with gentler, thinner skin such as the backs of joints (elbows, knees, ankles). Dermatitis and tapeworms affect humans and dogs equally.

Effective prevention and treatment
Prevention is the best starting point on the road to durable health. Dog fleas prefer defenceless hosts, so sick and old dogs as well as puppies are at a higher risk. Their immune systems need an extra boost through a healthy diet and relevant food additives. Flea combs are a great way to discover an initial parasite community before it multiplies. Once an infestation is verified, immediate measures must follow. It is easiest to pick effective dog flea treatments from the Pet Medicine Company which carries a wide variety of cures with different strength and range.

Effective Dog Flea Treatment