Fleas and ticks are a common – and annoying – problem for pets. But they don’t just cause itching. These parasites can carry and spread diseases.
Fleas can cause skin infections and tapeworm infections, while ticks can lead to illnesses like Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Many of these diseases can also spread to people.
“Fleas and ticks can transmit infectious diseases to pets or people when they take a blood meal,” says Kathleen Claussen, DVM, a small animal veterinary practitioner.
When to See a Vet
Get an appointment with your vet to get parasites under control or find out if your pet has a tick- or flea-related illness.
Obvious fleas and ticks
You might spot a tick or see fleas hopping around. You may also notice flea dirt on your pet’s skin or in your carpet or furniture. These are little black specks that are actually flea poop.
“If you see fleas or ticks on your pet, make sure your pet is up-to-date on flea and tick control medications,” says Amy Flowers, DVM, associate veterinarian at a small animal practice. “Remove any ticks (with tweezers) as soon as you see them.”
Be careful when you remove ticks not to crush them or leave the head behind in your pet’s skin.
If your pet has fleas, make sure to clean the areas where they hang out. That includes washing all bedding in hot, soapy water and vacuuming and then throwing away the bag or cleaning the canister.
Itching and scratching
It may not always be obvious that your pet has fleas or ticks. But sometimes you might notice them biting at their feet or scratching their ears. You might also see hair loss, rashes, or red, irritated skin.
“See your vet if your pet has any skin issues,” Flowers says. “Your pet may need medications to stop the itch or decrease inflammation. They should be checked for a secondary skin infection.”
To set up a flea/tick prevention plan
As soon as you get a new pet, you should talk to your vet about the best ways to protect them from fleas and ticks.
“Every pet should be started on a flea and tick control plan as soon as they are old enough and weigh enough,” Flowers says. “Make sure to ask your vet about medication recommendations if you don't already have a plan in place.”
To change your flea/tick plan
Check in with your vet if you still have flea and tick problems even though your pet is on a regular prevention plan.
Find out how long it should take for the prevention to work. If you’re still having issues after that time, find out whether you might need to try a different preventive option.
New symptoms
Talk to your vet if your pet has a new health concern. There are many symptoms that could be a sign of a flea- or tick-borne condition.
Possible symptoms include:
Appetite changes and weight loss. Canine ehrlichiosis is one of the most common tick-borne illnesses that dogs can get. Your dog may not eat much and lose weight. This might happen with anaplasmosis, too.
Lameness or limping. Trouble walking can be from an injury, but it may also be a symptom of Lyme disease, which is caused by a bacteria carried by the deer tick.
Lethargy. When your pet lacks energy, it could be a sign of tick-borne conditions like Lyme disease or babesiosis.
Stiffness. This is one of the many symptoms of Rocky Mountain spotted fever, which can be transmitted by various types of ticks.
Vomiting and diarrhea. Gastrointestinal upset can be a symptom of anaplasmosis.
Runny eyes and nose. These can be a sign of the tick-transmitted hepatozoonosis or also canine ehrlichiosis.
Fever. Fever can be a sign of many illnesses including infection, but it can also be a symptom of parasite-related conditions including Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, anaplasma, canine ehrlichiosis, and hepatozoonosis.
Joint pain or swelling. Aching joints might signify Lyme disease, canine ehrlichiosis, or anaplasmosis.
Lymph node swelling. Swollen lymph nodes could mean your pet has Lyme disease or Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
Skin issues. Fleas can cause red, irritated areas on your pet’s skin. You might find scratches where your pet has tried to ease the itch, as well as hair loss and scabs. Flea allergydermatitis can happen if your pet’s immune system overreacts to the toxins in flea saliva. It can also cause itching and fur loss.
Anemia. Fleas just eat and eat. They can drain blood from a dog or cat more quickly than their body can make more. Losing that much blood can lead to anemia, especially if a pet has lots of fleas or is very young.
Tapeworms. When an animal grooms itself or bites at an itchy spot, they can swallow a flea. And the flea might be infected with tapeworm larvae. The larvae can grow into an adult tapeworm inside the animal’s body. You might notice tiny little spots – often yellow, and about the size of a grain of rice – around your pet’s hind end. Tapeworms can grow so much that they can cause your pet to lose weight.
What Your Vet Will Do
If your vet thinks your dog or cat might have a tick- or flea-borne illness, they’ll start by asking about your pet’s symptoms and medical history.
Your vet may suggest other tests like a simple in-office blood test to look for Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, or anaplasmosis.
“Other tests usually have to be performed at a lab, with results coming back usually within a few days to a week or so,” Claussen says.
“If your pet is suspected of having fleas and/or ticks, your veterinarian can help you develop both a short-term and long-term plan for treatment of the pet in question, any other animals in the home, as well as recommend best treatment practices for the pet’s environment.”
Your vet will also suggest treatment for any symptoms like itching or tapeworms and will help you work on getting rid of the parasites from your pet and your home.
Show Sources
Photo Credit: iStock/Getty Images
SOURCES:
Amy Flowers, DVM, associate veterinarian at a small animal practice.
Kathleen Claussen, DVM, a small animal veterinary practitioner.
Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine: “Flea and tick prevention,” “Anemia.”
American Veterinary Medical Association: “Safe use of flea and tick preventive products.”
ASPCA: “Fleas and Ticks.”
The Humane Society of the United States: “What to do if you find a tick on your dog.”
American Kennel Club: “11 Flea & Tick Prevention Tips,” “What Is Your State’s Flea-and-Tick Season?” “ What Is the Best Flea and Tick Prevention for Dogs?” “What Do Flea Bites Look Like on Dogs?” “Tick-Borne Diseases in Dogs: Symptoms & How to Prevent.”
CDC: “Dipylidium FAQs.”
Merck Veterinary Manual: “Flea Allergy Dermatitis in Dogs and Cats.”
American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation: “Tick-borne Disease: Prevalence, Prevention, and Treatment,” “Canine Tick-Borne Disease.”
Pets and Parasites, Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC): “Ticks,” “Fleas.”
