Home Remedies and Natural Cures
Filed under: Natural Cures — permalink
The wingless, oval-shaped pest of the canine world is called a dog flea (also referred to as Ctenocephalides canis), which displays a light to deep brown color. Measuring about two to eight millimeters long, the flea uses its six legs (including large powerful hind legs) to jump long distances and maneuver about the fur and skin of dogs. Fleas are well-known parasites that terrorize canines throughout the world, feeding off of their blood and any other animals or humans they come in contact with.
When dogs bring fleas into the house, the entire household becomes compromised, as untreated cases multiply and spread throughout the residence. Flea infestations often take place within the bedding of a pet with increasing populations traveling to nearby carpets, rugs, and furniture. Fleas are able to spread fast because they possess the ability to vertically jump about 5 to 6 inches (about 15 centimeters) to attach themselves to skin, clothing, and other objects.
Adult fleas are also able to survive for a couple of months without feeding, making them even harder to eradicate. When feeding, they use their jaws (resembling saw-like instruments) to cut into the skin of the legs, feet, and other accessible body parts of their victims. Flea saliva contains substances called anticoagulants, which promotes the flow of blood. Female fleas are responsible for laying eggs after feeding, which are oval-shaped and light in color. Within weeks of hatching, the larvae form a cocoon, where movement of the host later prompts an adult flea to emerge.
A flea bite causes intense itching, affecting some more than others, as the worst cases surface when an allergy is present. When a flea bites a dog, constant itching often takes place and without treatment, skin infections and other medical problems may arise. Usually, a pet owner discovers a flea problem by routinely combing their dog with a flea comb, which is able to send off red flags regarding an infestation. Additional signs include a dog that is persistently scratching, biting, or chewing on the skin.
When a flea bites a human, the site becomes red and swollen with an accompanying itch that generally drives a person crazy. Depending on the individual, a flea bite may bother one for only a short period of time with various levels of rashes, while others face symptoms that may last more than a year in highly sensitive people. Overall, younger children are more sensitive to flea bites than adults. A small red spot typically develops at the flea bite site. Swelling is minimal, but many notice a red halo of irritated surrounding skin that is known to last between many hours and one day.
a) Allergic Reactions: If a dog is allergic to fleas, they will experience a more intense response to an infestation. When the flea bites into the skin, saliva is deposited, which is the element that causes severe itching to take place.
b) Hair Loss: A dog typically responses to fleas by chewing, licking, and scratching infected areas. Over time, hair loss may take place.
c) Open Sores or Scabs: Constant chewing, licking, and scratching of flea infested parts of the body may result in the development of open sores, which later turn into troublesome scabs.
d) Bacterial Infections: Untreated flea infestations may lead to a secondary bacterial infection caused by open sores that form when a dog constantly chews or scratches to remove fleas.
e) Household Infestation: Most flea eggs are not deposited on dogs, meaning their bedding, surrounding rugs and carpet, as well as nearby furniture becomes prime targets for egg laying.
f) Climate Conditions: Flea season is often observed when the weather is moist and warm, such as humid, rainy summer days. High flea populations are also more common in the southern part of the United States over the northern states.
g) Insecticides: Spiders and ants are known to prey upon the larvae and eggs of fleas, meaning a household that uses insecticides will have less beneficial, flea-fighting insects battling against flea populations.
h) Age of Dog: Puppies have yet to develop a strong immunity, meaning heavy flea infestations are known to cause a loss of blood that may lead to a host of medical concerns.
i) Small Dog Breeds: Miniature dog breeds do not possess the ability to endure the loss of blood that comes with untreated fleas, causing some to become anemic.