Why protect against fleas
Fleas can cause severe irritation and infection of the skin (flea allergy dermatitis). They may also carry Bartonella - this is a bacteria that causes the disease Bartonellosis, also known as Cat Scratch Disease. The Big Flea Project results showed that 11.3% of fleas were carrying this disease that can affect both dogs and humans if exposed to infected fleas or flea dirt.
As well as diseases, fleas can carry the flea tapeworm which can cause harm to our pets.
Map of flea risk
This interactive flea map, created from The Big Flea Project results, helps to show risk in your local area. Use it to search for the types of diseases that are prevalent in different areas across the UK.
In development
The flea life cycle
Fleas are the most common parasite problem for UK dogs and cats. It’s vital to understand the flea life cycle to beat an infestation. Take a look at the different stages of the cycle below – and remember that 95% of any infestation is in the home and not on the pet!
The only way to treat a flea infestation and break the cycle is with at least 12 weeks of continuous protection1.
1 Dryden et al. Parasites & Vectors (2015) 8:364
Diseases related to fleas
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Flea allergy dermatitis (FAD)
Flea allergy dermatitis (FAD)
• The most common dermatologic disease of dogs
• Major cause of dermatitis in cats
• Animals react negatively to flea saliva injected when fleas feed
• Affected animals scratch, lick, rub, chew and even nibble at the skin
• Bald patches, redness and self-trauma are often evident
• Severe cases can affect the whole body
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Tapeworm
Tapeworm
• Dipylidium Canium is the most common tapeworm
• Adult tapeworm lives in the small intestine
• Sections of worm resembling rice grains are passed by the animal
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Bartonellosis
Bartonellosis
• In cats, can cause mild illness and occasionally endocarditis – inflammation of the heart’s inner lining
• In people, can cause relapsing fever, meningitis, encephalitis, endocarditis and cat scratch disease
• Transmitted by fleas and flea dirt – so flea control is vital to reduce risk of infection for cats, dogs and people
Bartonella treatment• Clearance is difficult due to relapsing presence of bacteria in the blood
• No evidence that treatment reduces risk of transmission to owners
• Flea control to prevent transmission is crucial to avoiding Bartonella infection
Why protect against ticks
In the UK, ticks can carry various diseases including the bacteria that causes Lyme disease, an infection that affects both dogs and humans: symptoms can include a ‘bull’s-eye rash’ in people, but this doesn’t always occur. Other symptoms include lethargy and flu-like symptoms. It’s important to know how to check for ticks properly, and what precautions you should take to avoid them entering your home.
Map of tick risk
This interactive tick map, created from The Big Tick Project results1, helps to show risk in your local area. Use it to search for the types of diseases that are prevalent in different areas across the UK.
*Abdullah et al. Parasites & Vectors (2019) 12:71
Diseases related to ticks
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Babesia
Babesia
• Babesia is a parasite that infects red blood cells
• Infection with Babesia is called babesiosis
• The parasitic infection is usually transmitted by a tick bite
• Treatment for animals can be purchased from vet practices
• Regularly checking animals is important to avoid bites and diseaseBabesia can also affect humans. Common symptoms of Babesiosis include:
• Fatigue
• Severe headache
• Muscle aches
• Joint pain
• Abdominal pain
• Nausea
• Skin bruising
• Yellowing of skin and eyes -
Lyme disease
Lyme disease
Wild animals, especially small rodents and deer, can carry Lyme bacteria in nature. When a tick feeds on infected wildlife the tick picks up the bacteria, then Lyme disease is spread to dogs and cats through the bite of an infected tick.
Common symptoms include:• Fever
• Loss of appetite
• Reduced energy
• Lameness (can be shifting, intermittent and recurring)
• Stiffness, discomfort, or pain
• Swelling of jointsLyme disease can also affect humans if bitten by an infected tick. It can vary from no illness to severe disease, and signs may start 1 to 2 weeks after infection (the tick bite).
A small red lump may develop at the site of the bite – commonly this may slowly spread into a large circular 'bull's eye' shape. However, this is not always the case. If any redness starts to develop after being in contact with a tick, please seek professional, medical advice.
Other common symptoms include:
• Fever
• Body aches
• Stiff neck
• Headache