fbpx

7 Symptoms Of Dog Dying From Fleas

Hey there! Some links on this page are affiliate links which means that, if you choose to make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I greatly appreciate your support!

Dogs with fleas can experience severe issues that can be fatal in the worst situations.

That said, if you are wondering how to look for the symptoms of a dog dying from fleas. Read this article and discover seven symptoms of dog dying from fleas!

What Are Fleas?

Closeup of mite and fleas infected on dog fur, sucking its blood

Fleas are common parasites affecting the health of all animals, including dogs. These tiny critters live on the skin and feed off of blood.

The adult flea dies within a few days if they are not on a host. They can live up to 2 weeks on short-haired cats or dogs, but they will live longer on long-haired animals.

In addition, fleas can reproduce very quickly. A single female parasite can produce up to 25 nymphs in a week. So, treating your pet for fleas is important as soon as you notice any symptoms.

Dogs can suffer from severe itching, low count of red blood cells, and skin irritation as a result of an allergic reaction to flea saliva. In extreme cases, a dog’s health may be compromised by the presence of fleas.

Four Serious Diseases Dogs Can Get from Fleas

dogs flea signs

Fleas can spread other parasites like heartworms and roundworms, making them more than simply a nuisance.

Additionally, flea-borne diseases are a serious concern for dog owners, as they can result in a wide variety of health problems in dogs. Some of the most common diseases include:

Flea Allergic Dermatitis

Flea Allergic Dermatitis, more commonly referred to as FAD, is a common skin condition in canines resulting from an allergic reaction to flea saliva.

Dogs with FAD will often have intense itching, hair loss, and sores on their skin. In severe cases, the dog may become lethargic and lose weight. If you think your dog has FAD, it is important to take them to the vet for diagnosis and treatment.

Furthermore, the fleas must be controlled in order to prevent the development of this condition, as it can lead to further exposure to potential allergens.

Tapeworms

Another common health problem flea cause is tapeworms.

They are parasites that live in the intestines of dogs and can be transmitted to them through the ingestion of fleas that carry eggs.

If your dog has a tapeworm infection, you may notice symptoms such as an increased appetite and fatigue, chronic diarrhea or constipation, and the appearance of small white “worms” or grains of rice in the dog’s stool.

Having said that, If you suspect your dog is infected with tapeworm, see your veterinarian for an evaluation. Bring along a stool sample so that it can be tested for the presence of tapeworms.

Early detection and treatment are essential to halt the spread of tapeworm infection and any related health problems.

Anemia

Blood loss is among the most frequent causes of anemia in dogs. This can be caused by a number of things, such as parasites like fleas.

If you suspect that your four-legged companion may have anemia, keep an eye out for the following signs: weakness, shortness of breath, lightheadedness or vertigo when rising up suddenly, and pale skin.

Additionally, you should be aware that there are significant health hazards involved if your dog has fleas and you do nothing about it.

When the situation persists long enough, tissue damage and even death can occur due to the chronic low oxygen state caused by the fleas’ blood-sucking habits.

Hemobartonellosis

Hemobartonellosis is a flea-transmitted disease that affects dogs who have had their spleens removed. The disease can cause a wide variety of symptoms, such as anemia, lethargy, weight loss, and in severe cases, death.

Some of which are very serious. If you think your dog might have hemobartonellosis, it is important to take them to the vet as soon as possible.

7 symptoms of dog dying from fleas

dog fleas cause

As you know, fleas are tiny parasites that can be difficult to see and often go undetected. They can lead to a variety of health problems in dogs, including death in serious conditions.

It’s essential to be aware of the symptoms of dogs dying from fleas so you can get your pet treated immediately.

As a result, it’s critical to act right away if your dog exhibits any of the following symptoms:

Gnawing and Biting

One of the most telltale signs that your dog has fleas is if they start gnawing and biting at their skin, particularly at his or the base of the tail.

If you notice this behavior, it’s important to take your dog to the vet for evaluation to make sure the gnawing is not caused by something else.

Red Marks or Scabs

Amongst the variety of symptoms of a flea bite on dogs, red marks or scabs on the skin are another common occurrence. This is often one of the first and most easily identifiable signs that a dog has fleas.

These marks can be itchy and uncomfortable for the dog and, if left untreated, can lead to more serious health problems.

If you notice your dog has these marks, it’s important to take action and get them treated for fleas as soon as possible.

Scratching

Fleas can cause intense itching for dogs, which in turn can lead to infections from excessive scratching. Dogs with flea allergies can suffer from secondary skin infections, and the constant scratching will also damage their ears.

symptoms of dog dying from fleas

In fact, dogs’ ears are a common place for fleas to lay eggs, so if you see your furry companion scratching their ears a lot, you should take them to the veterinarian for treatment.

Hair Loss 

Parasitic Fleas are among the most typical causes of hair loss in dogs. Though fleas can be treated, it is important to be aware of the other symptoms that may accompany hair loss.

Other symptoms include excessive scratching, redness and inflammation around the neck and head, black specks or dirt in the dog’s coat, weight loss, and lethargy.

That said, you can undertake certain measures if your dog starts losing hair. One of the most important is to eliminate fleas.

Additionally, I would like to point out that while hair loss is most frequently linked to fleas, it can also be an indication of other health issues.

Therefore, if your Dog gets any significant hair loss, check out by a veterinarian as soon as possible to make sure the problem is not more serious.

Pale Gums

Dogs with a severe flea problem may lose so much blood that they get anemia, which can cause a dog’s gums to become white or pale pink. This is one of the most common symptoms of dogs dying from fleas.

Other symptoms include weakness, weight loss, hair loss, and seizures. If you think your furry companion is suffering from anemia, contact your veterinarian immediately.

In fact, if you notice your dog’s gums have turned pale, it can be an early sign of a serious flea problem. As the infestation worsens, your dog may also start to experience other symptoms like hair loss, excessive scratching, and scabs. 

Coffee Grounds

Another way to detect flea infections in dogs is by looking for the fecal droppings on the dog’s skin. These droppings are black and look like coffee grounds.

Basically, when a flea ingests blood, its feces turn red. This is due to the digested blood that is present in the feces. If you are seeing a lot of coffee grounds on your dog’s coat, it could be an indication that your dog is dying from fleas.

Behavioral Signs

Behavioral changes in dogs are also a symptom of fleas in dogs.

The dogs may act differently when they have fleas. They may be more hyperactive or lethargic, and they may scratch more than usual. It is essential to be aware of these signs and to take your dog to the vet if you think they might have fleas.

Can Fleas Kill a Dog?

dogs dying signs

Fleas are not just a nuisance to dogs; they can be deadly as they can cause a number of health problems.

A dog can get hundreds of bites every day from a single flea. Even a small infestation can quickly lead to significant problems. Serious cases may be lethal.

Some common symptoms include extreme tiredness, weakness, weight loss, excessive scratching or biting of skin, hair loss, and pale gums. 

Therefore, if you think your dog may have fleas, it is important to take them to the vet as soon as possible.

Fleas Prevention and Treatment

3D rendering of animal fleas

Fleas are a common problem for canines and can cause a variety of health problems. Prevention is the best way to avoid fleas, but if your dog does get them, there are various treatments available.

There are several ways to prevent fleas, but one of the most crucial is utilizing a product that your veterinarian has prescribed. Your veterinarian can help you buy one of the numerous efficient products on the market.

Treatment of all of your pets in the home with an effective product will help reduce the number of fleas in the environment and will help keep your pet healthy.

You can also keep your pet away from areas where they are known to be infested, and if you have other pets, make sure they are treated for fleas as well.

Additionally, vacuuming the furniture, pet beds, and corners in the home is highly recommended.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Fleas are parasites that can cause serious health problems in dogs, including death. They are often difficult to detect and can be very harmful if left untreated. It’s necessary to comprehend the symptoms of a canine flea infestation and, if essential, seek veterinary help immediately.

About the author

A biotechnologist by profession and a passionate pest researcher. I have been one of those people who used to run away from cockroaches and rats due to their pesky features, but then we all get that turn in life when we have to face something.