Fleas are among the top external parasites of cats and dogs. They are very prolific creatures. One flea could lay about 2,000 eggs in a lifetime. The life cycle of fleas (from egg to larva to pupa to adult) can occur within a few weeks. Fleas bite humans, too.
Aside from flea bites being painful and itchy, they also bring a range of health issues such as:
- Flea allergy dermatitis (FAD) is a problem that affects cats that are allergic to flea bites. An allergen in the saliva of fleas can trigger an allergic reaction in hypersensitive pets, causing them to suffer from intense itching even from just a flea bite or two.
- Kittens and senior cats are very prone to suffering anemia, particularly in heavy infestations.
- Fleas are important carriers of certain diseases, like Bartonellosis or ‘cat scratch disease’, rickettsia, typhus, etc.
- Tapeworms are also important in the transmission of tapeworms.
Speak to your vet Lewisville, TX about the best way to protect your pet against fleas and other parasites.