A Routine Visit Turned into a Nightmare
It was just a normal day. I was taking my three-month-old puppy to the veterinary clinic for his scheduled vaccination shots. The clinic was small but welcoming, with the faint scent of antiseptics lingering in the air. Posters about pet care lined the walls, and the waiting area had just a few chairs arranged neatly around a counter where the receptionist sat. A glass door led to the examination and operating rooms, and I could see a few cages stacked in the corner, likely housing pets in recovery.
The receptionist informed us that the doctor had stepped out and would be back in a few minutes. Not minding the wait, I settled into one of the chairs, my pup nestled comfortably in my lap. The clinic was quiet, save for the occasional sound of a distant barking dog. It felt like just another routine visit—until the couple arrived.
A man and a woman entered hastily. The woman, cradling a small dog wrapped in a towel, sat down beside me while her partner rushed to fill out paperwork. At first glance, nothing seemed out of the ordinary. The dog, a fluffy, white Shih Tzu, reminded me of my own puppy. But then, I noticed something unsettling—the couple’s anxious glances, the man pacing back and forth, constantly checking the door.
Something was wrong.
As I sat there, trying not to stare, I overheard snippets of their hurried conversation. The dog had been fine that morning—playful, energetic. Then, suddenly, it had become lethargic, barely able to move. They had rushed here, desperate for help.
That’s when I noticed it—the Shih Tzu wasn’t just weak. It was limp, barely responding to its owner’s touch. The woman clutched the dog tightly, whispering its name, her fingers trembling.
Then, the moment that sent chills down my spine.
The man, growing more frantic, shook the dog gently. “Come on, wake up,” he muttered. But the dog didn’t move. Not even a twitch.
The woman gasped. “She’s not breathing.”
I felt my stomach drop.
The receptionist leaped into action, taking the dog from the woman’s arms. That’s when I saw it clearly—the white fur, now stained with blood. Drops dripped from its nose or mouth, I wasn’t sure. Its small belly was covered in ominous purple spots.
The doors to the operating room burst open as the vet rushed in, likely called ahead by the receptionist. He disappeared into the room, carrying the dog, while the couple stood frozen in shock. The atmosphere in the waiting room was suffocatingly heavy. My puppy, sensing the tension, whimpered and hid under my chair, refusing to come out.
Minutes stretched into eternity. Then, the receptionist reappeared, calling the man into the room. He hesitated before stepping inside, leaving the woman outside, still clutching the empty towel. The silence that followed was deafening.
When the man emerged, he was carrying the dog—but not as before. There was no movement, no sign of life. Just a limp body wrapped in the towel.
They left without another word.
I sat there, gripping my puppy tightly, heart pounding. The reality of what I had just witnessed weighed on me. I turned to the vet as he returned to the counter.
“Could that happen to my dog?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.
The vet’s answer shook me to my core.
“Yes,” he said solemnly. “It can happen to any dog. But it could’ve been prevented.”
A Tiny Killer Lurking in Plain Sight
Could the dog have been saved if the vet had arrived earlier? Sadly, no. The dark spots and excessive bleeding were signs of internal hemorrhaging. The dog had likely been sick for weeks, the symptoms hidden until it was too late.
The cause? A tiny parasite—fleas or ticks.
I always knew fleas and ticks were bad, but I never realized how deadly they could be. The vet explained that a single bite could transmit life-threatening diseases, silently wreaking havoc inside a dog’s body. What was so small, so seemingly insignificant, was actually deadly. One bite from an infected flea can transmit fatal diseases. What seemed like a minor nuisance had, in this case, become a death sentence.
That day, I learned a painful lesson: the dangers of fleas and ticks should never be underestimated.
Understanding Feals and Ticks: Why They Pose a Threat to Your Dog's Health?
What Are Fleas and Ticks
Fleas have been known to infest man and animals since the Palaeocene (Alcaíno etal. 2002), and are the most frequent ectoparasite (external parasites) of companion animals worldwide. Fleas are highly adaptable parasites that thrive in various environments, with dogs providing an ideal host due to their fur, body temperature, and frequent outdoor activities. Dogs can acquire fleas from other infested animals or contaminated environments.
Ticks are parasites that feed off animal and human blood. Globally, ticks, along with mosquitoes, are recognised as the most important vectors in the transmission of bacterial and viral pathogens to humans and animals. Worldwide, ticks (and mosquitoes) are recognised as the most important vectors in the transmission of bacterial and viral pathogens to humans and animals (Collwell et al. (2011) in Dehhaghi et al., 2019).
Many species of fleas and ticks may parasitize human beings and animals and some are known to be carriers of zoonotic diseases (an infectious disease that can be transmitted between animals and humans (or vice versa)).
What Disease Can Fleas and Ticks Carry
Fleas can transmit several diseases, including murine typhus, caused by Rickettsia typhi and primarily spread by the oriental rat flea (Xenopsylla cheopis), often linked to rodents. They are also carriers of tularemia, a bacterial infection caused by Francisella tularensis, and Russian spring-summer encephalitis, a viral disease affecting the nervous system.
Ticks are the major vectors of disease-causing agents to humans, companion animals and wildlife, and transmit the most diverse array of infectious agents of any blood-feeding arthropod (Sonenshine, 2018; Wikel, 2018), including the agents for Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, human granulocytic anaplasmosis, human monocytic anaplasmosis, tick-borne encephalitis (TBE), babesiosis, theileriosis, ehrlichiosis and many others.
What Do Fleas and Ticks Looks Like
Fleas are small, dark brown, or black, with flattened bodies that are about 2.5 mm long (the size of a sesame seed). Their bodies are also covered in tiny hairs that help them move through fur and feathers. After feeding, fleas may appear plumper and reddish-brown.
Fealse feed on the blood of animals. There are several species of fleas, but the most common are cat fleas (ctenocephalides felis) and dog fleas (ctenocephalides canis).
Fleas are so tiny they can be hard to see with the naked eye, making it hard to differentiate cat fleas vs dog fleas. But, fleas can jump extremely high and all types can find their way to your pets.
If your pet has a flea infestation you'll probably notice a few signs:
- Flea dirt (dark brown specs of flea feces)
- Full-grown fleas
- Excessive scratching
- Redness and skin irritation
- Hair loss
Ticks are much larger than fleas and are eight legged parasites with long protruding mouth pieces. Their bodies are usually brown or grey in colour. The size of a tick varies depending on how much blood it has consumed. When they are attached and feeding on a dog, it may look like a skin tag, lump, or nipple. The skin around the tick may appear red and/or swollen.
Ticks also feed on the blood of animals like dogs, cats, and even humans. They can't jump but can crawl and seek out their hosts via smells, sounds, and body heat.
There are a few common types of ticks in Australia — the paralysis tick (most dangerous), bush tick, cattle tick, brown dog tick just to name a few. All can carry a variety of diseases from Lyme disease to Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF).
A few common places to look for ticks on your pet include:
- Ears and eyes
- Neck and under their collar
- Groin, armpits, tail
- Paws and between toes
Similarities between fleas and ticks
Some commonalities between fleas and ticks include:
- The number of hosts - Both pests begin their respective life cycles by feeding on their host, reproducing, and laying eggs. For convenience, both tend to stick to one host or two throughout their lifetime and usually prefer animals.
- Their preferred season -The seasonality of fleas and ticks is generally the same. So, are fleas active in winter? And can dogs get fleas in the winter? Yes they are, and yes they can. Depending on where you live, tick and flea season can last the entire year.
- Their ability to transmit illness - Both pests are carriers of disease that can be harmful to your pets. Fleas and ticks bite to latch onto their host and feed on their blood. Their bites create an open wound on your pets which can become infected. And, susceptible to various illnesses.
Why Flea and Tick Prevention is Crucial
As a pet owner, ensuring the health and happiness of your furry friends is a top priority. One of the key aspects of pet care is protecting them from parasites such as fleas and ticks. These tiny pests can cause significant health issues for your pets and even for your family. Here are compelling reasons why you should use flea and tick prevention for your pets.
- Preventing Disease Transmission
Fleas and ticks are more than just an annoyance; they can transmit serious diseases to both pets and humans. Fleas are known to cause flea allergy dermatitis, tapeworms, and in severe cases, anemia due to blood loss . Ticks, on the other hand, can transmit Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and other serious illnesses . Using preventive treatments helps reduce the risk of these diseases.
- Avoiding Infestations
Once fleas or ticks infest your home, they can be challenging to eliminate. Fleas reproduce rapidly, and a small problem can quickly turn into a large infestation, affecting not just your pet but your entire household. Regular use of preventive products can help stop an infestation before it starts .
- Ensuring Comfort for Your Pet
Fleas and ticks cause itching, irritation, and discomfort for pets. Severe infestations can lead to hair loss and skin infections. By using preventive treatments, you can ensure your pets remain comfortable and free from these irritating pests .
- Protecting Your Family
Some flea and tick-borne diseases can be transmitted to humans, posing a health risk to your family. For instance, ticks can transmit Lyme disease to humans, and fleas can carry bacteria that cause illnesses like cat scratch fever. Preventive care for your pets helps protect everyone in your household .
- Cost-Effective Care
Preventing flea and tick infestations is generally more cost-effective than treating an established problem. Treatments for infestations and the associated health issues can be expensive and time-consuming. Regular use of preventive products can save you money and stress in the long run .
Flea and tick prevention is a crucial part of responsible pet ownership. By protecting your pets from these parasites, you ensure their health and comfort, prevent costly infestations, and protect your family from potential health risks. Speak with your veterinarian about the best preventive options for your pets and make flea and tick prevention a regular part of your pet care routine.
How to Treat Fleas on Dogs: Effective Remedies & Prevention Tips
Signs Your Dog Has Fleas
Before starting any treatment, it’s important to confirm that your dog has fleas. Look for these common signs:
- Excessive scratching, licking, or biting at the skin.
- Red, inflamed skin or hair loss due to scratching.
- Flea dirt (black specks that turn red when wet) on your dog’s fur or bedding.
- Live fleas jumping in your dog’s coat, especially around the tail, belly, and armpits.
- Pale gums, which may indicate anemia from flea bites.
If you notice these signs, it’s time to take action immediately.
The Proper Order of Flea Treatment
To effectively eliminate fleas, follow this step-by-step approach:
Step 1: Immediate Flea Removal
- Use a flea comb to physically remove fleas and flea dirt from your dog’s fur. Have a bowl of soapy water nearby to dip the comb and kill fleas instantly.
- Bathe your dog with flea shampoo to kill fleas on contact. This provides temporary relief but does not prevent new infestations.
- If your dog is heavily infested, consult a vet for advice on fast-acting oral medications that kill fleas within hours.
Step 2: Apply a Long-Term Flea Treatment
- Choose either a topical treatment (e.g., Advantage® II, Frontline Plus®) or an oral medication (e.g., NexGard®, Simparica®) to kill fleas and prevent reinfestation.
- Do not mix multiple flea treatments without consulting a veterinarian, as this can be harmful to your pet.
- Follow the instructions carefully and ensure the right dosage for your dog's weight.
Step 3: Treat Your Home to Prevent Reinfection
- Wash your dog’s bedding, blankets, and soft toys in hot water and dry them on high heat.
- Vacuum floors, furniture, and carpets thoroughly to remove flea eggs and larvae. Dispose of the vacuum bag or empty the canister immediately.
- Use flea sprays or powders designed for home use to kill fleas hiding in carpets and furniture.
- Consider foggers or flea bombs for severe infestations but keep pets and children out of treated areas for the recommended time.
Step 4: Protect Your Yard
- Mow your lawn regularly and remove leaf piles or debris where fleas may hide.
- Use pet-safe flea control sprays for outdoor areas.
- Introduce beneficial nematodes, which are microscopic worms that naturally eat flea larvae in soil.
Step 5: Continue Prevention
- Keep your dog on a monthly flea preventive (collars, spot-on treatments, or oral medications).
- Regularly check your dog for fleas, especially in warm weather.
- Treat all pets in the home to prevent fleas from spreading.
Ways to Treat Fleas on Dogs
There are several effective treatments available, including topical treatments, oral medications, shampoos, and natural remedies.
- Topical Flea Treatments
These are spot-on treatments applied to your dog’s skin, usually between the shoulder blades. They work by killing fleas on contact and preventing future infestations.
- Examples of Topical Treatments:
- Advantage® II (Imidacloprid, Pyriproxyfen)
- Frontline Plus® (Fipronil, (S)-Methoprene)
- Revolution® (Selamectin)
- How to Use:
- Part your dog’s fur and apply the liquid directly to the skin.
- Avoid bathing your dog for at least 24 hours after application.
- Repeat monthly as directed.
- Oral Flea Medications
Oral medications kill fleas quickly and are often recommended for severe infestations.
- Examples of Oral Medications:
- Capstar® (Nitenpyram) - Kills fleas within 30 minutes but does not provide long-term protection.
- NexGard® (Afoxolaner) - Provides month-long flea and tick prevention.
- Simparica® (Sarolaner) - Effective against fleas and ticks for up to five weeks.
- How to Use:
- Give the chewable tablet or pill as directed by your veterinarian.
- Monitor for side effects such as vomiting or lethargy.
- Flea Shampoos & Dips
Flea shampoos kill adult fleas on contact and provide temporary relief.
- Examples of Flea Shampoos:
- Adams Plus® Flea & Tick Shampoo
- Sentry Flea & Tick Shampoo
- Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Flea Shampoo
- How to Use:
- Wet your dog’s fur thoroughly.
- Lather the shampoo and let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
- Rinse well and dry your dog completely.
- Use weekly if necessary.
- Flea Collars
Flea collars release active ingredients that repel and kill fleas.
- Examples of Flea Collars:
- Seresto® Flea and Tick Collar (Lasts up to 8 months)
- Hartz UltraGuard® Flea & Tick Collar
- How to Use:
- Fit the collar snugly around your dog’s neck.
- Replace as recommended by the manufacturer.
- Flea Combs
Flea combs physically remove fleas from your dog’s coat.
- How to Use:
- Use a fine-toothed flea comb to brush your dog’s fur.
- Dip the comb in soapy water to kill captured fleas.
- Repeat daily for best results.
- Home Remedies (Natural Treatments)
Some natural solutions may help repel fleas, though they are not as effective as medical treatments.
- Apple cider vinegar spray (1:1 mixture with water) can act as a flea deterrent.
- Diatomaceous earth can be sprinkled on carpets to kill fleas by dehydrating them.
- Coconut oil can be applied to your dog’s skin as a flea repellent.
FAQs
How often should I check my dog for fleas?
Check your dog at least once a week, especially during warmer months when fleas are more active.
Can I use multiple flea treatments at the same time?
No, using multiple treatments together can be harmful. Always consult your veterinarian before combining treatments.
How long does it take to get rid of fleas?
It can take several weeks to completely eliminate fleas from your dog and home. Consistent treatment and prevention are key.
Are flea treatments safe for puppies?
Most flea treatments are not recommended for puppies under 8 weeks old. Ask your veterinarian for safe options.
Can fleas live on humans?
Fleas prefer animals, but they can bite humans and cause irritation. Keeping your pets flea-free reduces the risk.
References:
- American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). (2023). "Flea Control for Pets." Retrieved from https://www.avma.org
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2023). "Flea-borne Diseases." Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov
- PetMD. "How to Handle Fleas on Dogs." Retrieved from https://www.petmd.com
https://www.ijidonline.com/article/S1201-9712(10)00029-9/pdf
https://petfriendlybox.com/resource-center/difference-between-fleas-and-ticks
https://www.mcdermottveterinarypractice.com/caringforanimal/blog-post-title-four-2hlf5
