Flea infestations are a leading cause of anemia in dogs
, especially small breeds and puppies. Treating the flea infestation is paramount when dealing with dogs with flea-related anemia. Flea anemia is caused by fleas drinking so much blood that the dog has an insufficient amount of red blood cells left.
How long does it take for fleas to make a dog anemic?
When the pill is given to your cat or dog, all adult fleas on the animal will start dying with
30 minutes
.
Can a flea infestation cause anemia?
Flea infestations can lead to severe flea bite anemia
. Young, old, and severely debilitated cats are most at risk.
Can flea bites cause anemia?
Several fleas on a very young kitten or puppy can cause them to become severely anemic
. Fleas feeding on the blood of their hosts can lead to abnormally low red blood cell counts which can have serious consequences in these juveniles whose immune systems are still developing.
What does flea anemia look like?
The affected animal will have
pale gums
(normal gums are shell-pink; anemic gums can be completely white). In advanced disease, the patient will be listless and even cold. A flea comb can be used to check for flea dirt.
How do you treat anemia in dogs?
- Immunosuppressive drugs.
- Deworming or parasite medications.
- Blood transfusion.
- Bone marrow transfusion.
- Intravenous fluids.
- Surgery.
- Antibiotics.
- Change to existing medications.
How can you tell if a dog is anemic?
- Fatigue; running out of energy easily during play or exercise.
- Dark or “tarry” stools, or dark blood in feces or vomit.
- Change in color of gums (whitish or pale pink)
- Bruising on skin (from loss of platelets)
How is anemia treated for fleas?
Anemia associated with flea, tick or hookworm infestation is handled by
killing and eliminating the blood-sucking parasites
. Once the parasites are removed and no longer feeding on your pet, the cat's body will be able to replenish its oxygen-carrying red blood cells back to normal levels.
Do fleas drink blood?
What do fleas eat?
Fleas are blood feeders
. Female fleas require a blood meal in order to lay eggs. Normally, these insects consume blood and then, 36-48 hours later they lay eggs. When the flea eggs hatch, the larva will feed on organic debris left behind on their prey's skin.
Can I give my dog iron pills for anemia?
Ferrous sulfate (brand names: Fer-In-Sol®, Feosol®) is a nutritional supplement used in cats and dogs to treat iron-deficiency anemia
or as an iron supplement, usually in cases of chronic blood loss or during epoetin or darbepoetin therapy.
Can ticks and fleas cause anemia in dogs?
Blood loss is the most common reason for anemia in dogs.
If a dog has enough ticks, or in the case of small puppies, fleas, they can lose enough blood to become anemic
.
Is anemia painful for dogs?
Dogs with immune-mediated hemolytic anemia are usually jaundiced, sometimes have a fever, and may have an enlarged spleen. They can show mild, slow-developing signs and
not appear to be in any pain
, or they can suddenly be in severe crisis. Your veterinarian will tailor treatment to the animal's signs.
What causes dog anemia?
Dogs can develop aplastic or non-regenerative anemia as a result of
insufficient production of red blood cells
. Bone marrow disease, kidney disease, exposure to toxins, parvovirus, chemotherapy drugs and other certain medications can also cause this form of anemia.
Can fleas cause bleeding?
The scratching may be so severe that it causes hair loss, rough patches of skin, bleeding, and scabs
. Getting rid of your pet's fleas is the first step, but the itching may continue for weeks after the last flea bite. If the itching is in one area, won't stop itching, or is infected, this can lead to a hot spot.
What should I feed my anemic dog?
Adding fresh foods with iron in them to your dog's diet can help boost this important mineral. To start, you can feed your dog
canned sardines along with their regular food, raw egg yolk (from organic or local eggs), green vegetables, and beef liver
.
