Fleas

Fleas on dogs

Overview

Do you notice small black specks left behind in your dog's brush when you groom him? This is a sign that your pet - and probably your home - are hosts to fleas. Fleas can cause big problems for canines, including skin disease and anemia. Some animals are highly allergic to flea saliva and may scratch themselves continuously and develop hot spots or other painful conditions. These dark, flattened insects can even pass on tapeworm eggs to dogs who eat them.

Skin problems in cats

Overview

Because the skin of a cat is actually thinner and more sensitive to injury than human skin, it is not surprising that skin disorders are among the most common health problems in cats. Does your cat scratch and chew on his skin constantly? And what are those round, scaly patches on your kitten's face and paws? Why has your cat started losing a lot of hair? If these symptoms sound familiar, or if your pet has dry, flaky or irritated skin, he may be suffering from a skin disorder.

Fleas on cats

Overview

Fleas can cause big problems for cats, including skin disease, anemia, scratching and allergies. They can even pass on tapeworms, a type of intestinal parasite, to cats who eat them while grooming. Indoor cats are generally at low risk of flea infestation. However, if you cat shares your home with dogs, or if your cat has access to a yard, you'll need a safe, effective strategy to keep your feline flea-free.

Fleas on cats

Overview

Fleas can cause big problems for cats, including skin disease, anemia, scratching and allergies. They can even pass on tapeworms, a type of intestinal parasite, to cats who eat them while grooming. Indoor cats are generally at low risk of flea infestation. However, if you cat shares your home with dogs, or if your cat has access to a yard, you'll need a safe, effective strategy to keep your feline flea-free.

Skin problems in cats

Overview

Because the skin of a cat is actually thinner and more sensitive to injury than human skin, it is not surprising that skin disorders are among the most common health problems in cats. Does your cat scratch and chew on his skin constantly? And what are those round, scaly patches on your kitten's face and paws? Why has your cat started losing a lot of hair? If these symptoms sound familiar, or if your pet has dry, flaky or irritated skin, he may be suffering from a skin disorder.

Fleas on dogs

Overview

Do you notice small black specks left behind in your dog's brush when you groom him? This is a sign that your pet - and probably your home - are hosts to fleas. Fleas can cause big problems for canines, including skin disease and anemia. Some animals are highly allergic to flea saliva and may scratch themselves continuously and develop hot spots or other painful conditions. These dark, flattened insects can even pass on tapeworm eggs to dogs who eat them.

Ferrets and fleas

So, you thought that only dogs and cats could get fleas? Think again! Ferrets are just as susceptible to these pesky little parasites. Your fuzzball can bring home some unwanted guests after a supervised walk around the garden with you, but indoors-only ferrets are also at risk – particularly if you share your home with dogs, or a cat who has access to a yard.

Ask a PetDoc: Cat scabs and flea collars

Ask a PetDoc: Cat scabs and flea collars 

Dr. Jim,

My brother owns two cats. One of the cats recently developed two scabs on his eyebrow. It started as one, but a second one developed about 2 days later and they are now the same size. The scabs have only been there a week, and we have been trying a bit of antibiotic ointment for the past 2 days, but it seems that they are not healing.

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