The small size of puppies and kittens means that the loss of blood caused by fleas can cause life-threatening anaemia. The burden of fleas on young animals can overwhelm their immune systems making them more susceptible to other illnesses. Fleas can carry the eggs of tapeworms, when an egg-carrying flea is ingested, the tapeworm will hatch and attach themselves to the intestine lining. Intestinal worms pose a greater risk to puppies and kittens than to adult dogs and cats.
Symptoms include diarrhoea and a reduced ability to absorb nutrients from food, but in severe cases the sheer number of worms can cause complete intestinal obstruction.
The best protection against fleas is the consistent regular application of an effective pet flea and worm treatment. Treatment of your pet should always be accompanied with housekeeping of your pet’s environment to remove any developing flea eggs, larvae and pupae.