Fleas can be terrible nuisances for animals and humans. They reproduce quickly in warm, humid weather, resulting in large numbers of the parasite appearing within a short period of time. Because fleas take blood as nourishment, they can pose a threat to small, frail animals. Both kittens and puppies can become overwhelmed by a flea infestation and die due to blood loss anemia. Animals with allergies also may develop extremely uncomfortable skin disease from reactions to flea saliva. Normal animals, however, simply will be irritated by their presence. Fleas also can infect animals with tapeworms, an intestinal parasite, if fleas are accidentally swallowed.
The first step in flea control is recognizing the problem. Animals should be checked frequently for fleas by being brushed while standing over a white sheet; the flea feces, small, black flecks of digested blood, will fall off easily, indicating the presence of fleas. A flea comb with very fine teeth also is helpful to remove flea debris and may remove some adult fleas, if enough are present.
Most fleas congregate over the rump and tail area of the pet. If evidence of fleas is noted, the animal should also be checked for tapeworm segments, which appear as cream colored, rice-like segments stuck in the fur around the anus or in the feces.
