Fleas, while small, can actually be a bigger problem than you might think. A recent study undertaken by MSD Animal Health showed some quite worrying results. The survey revealed that on average more than one in four cats and more than one in seven dogs are carrying fleas.
Fleas Are Annoying But Not Harmful, Right?
Wrong! Fleas can cause severe irritation and infection of the skin. Along with this, they can also carry Bartonella, the bacteria that leads to Bartonellosis.
Results from the recent MSD Animal Health survey revealed that 11% of fleas carry this bacteria which can affect both animals and humans.
What Is Bartonellosis?
Bartonellosis is a disease caused by a bacteria carried by fleas that can cause inflammation of the lining of the heart in cats and dogs. It can also affect humans, causing fever as well as encephalitis and endocarditis.
Fleas also carry the flea tapeworm that can cause harm to our pets.
The Importance Of Regular Flea Treatment
As a responsible pet owner, you should take flea prevention seriously. One flea can lay 50 eggs a day, so it doesn’t take long for an infestation to occur. It’s worth noting that 95% of a flea infestation is found in the home on sofas and in carpets, not on the pet itself.
The only way to prevent flea issues is to treat your pets with an anti flea treatment regularly, year round. This ensures that both you and your pets stay itch free and safe from flea related disease.
Contact us to discuss the best products with which to treat your pets or if you have any other concerns relating to the health and wellbeing of your pets.
Remember our monthly Pet Health Plan includes a years’ worth of flea treatment throughout the year, as well as many other benefits and discounts!
St Kitts Veterinary Centre: 01252 844044
Basingstoke Veterinary Centre: 01256 844944
Crookham Park Veterinary Centre: 01252 913990
Firgrove Veterinary Centre: 01252 877799
