Courtesy of the Niagara Frontier Veterinary Society
No pet parent wants to encounter fleas, but they’re all too common in our furry friends. Signs of flea infestations aren’t always apparent, but pet owners should be aware of them:
- Scratching, licking, biting: Fleas reside in hard-to-reach places. The head, neck, and tails of pets are common areas where infestations occur, and picking at these areas by pets is a sign of fleas.
- Restlessness: Fleas are uncomfortable. If your dog, cat, or rabbit is acting out of sorts, fleas could be to blame.
- Flea Dirt: Black deposits within the fur near the skin are often flea droppings. If you’re unsure, drop a little into water, and if they turn it reddish-brown, this is indicative of fleas.
- Raised bumps or welts: Fleas irritate the skin, causing raised welts on pets and people. People are often affected near the ankles when fleas jump from the carpet onto human skin.
- Fur loss: A flea infestation can cause constant scratching and biting, eventually contributing to the loss of fur.
- Pale gums: Pale gums are a sign of anemia indicating a severe flea infestation. Dogs, cats, and rabbits cannot reproduce red blood cells as quickly as they’re drained by the voracious fleas.
Sometimes it’s possible to see fleas in action, but they tend to jump and scurry so fast that they’re hard to detect. Pet owners who suspect their pets have flea infestations should consult a vet who will likely recommend a flea shampoo and preventative treatments to stop future outbreaks.
The Niagara Frontier Veterinary Society is comprised of more than 80 small animal hospitals and 200 practitioners in Erie and Niagara Counties.
