If you have a pet, you have probably encountered fleas. Fleas are one of the most common health concerns that affect domestic animals. Pet owners are often able to tell pretty quickly if a pet has fleas because of the non stop itching, red bites, irritability and constant movement. In addition, if you look under your pet’s hair, you may see fleas moving around in their coat.

Here are some of the real dangers of a flea infestation and how you can help prevent them in house pets:
1. Fleas can transfer disease to humans
Fleas are not solely an issue that affects pets. Fleas can easily transfer from your pet to your home and even to you. In fact, fleas can cause more fleas to populate your home, leading to flea borne typhus and even tapeworms. To help prevent the spread of fleas to humans, it is critical that you treat your pets immediately if you notice fleas, using a vet approved flea prevention medicine. It’s also vital to wash all bedding, furniture and carpeting in hot water that fleas may be living in.

2. Flea infestation of your home
Flea infestations are a common issue found in many homes around the world. No one wants to have a flea infestation, but if your pet has fleas and is not treated immediately, you may have an infestation occur. Fleas can spread and breed quickly. If the fleas are not treated within a couple days, it can spread to all corners of your home. They may be impossible to clean with ordinary measures and you may need to consult a professional for help. To stop the spread and breeding of fleas, try to ensure that your pet takes preventative medicine once a month to prevent fleas.

3. Chemicals used by exterminators can be harmful
To help prevent fleas from spreading in your home and living in your home, many people choose to use exterminators. While this is a great way to help kill fleas after an infestation, you need to be careful. Many exterminators use chemicals that are harmful to pets and young children. You should ask your vet and the extermination company for safe treatment options. If you have young children, you should also consult their doctor.

4. Fleas can carry the tapeworm parasite
While many people think that fleas are simply just an annoying insect that causes itchiness, this is not the only danger. Many fleas actually carry the tapeworm parasite. If this parasite is transferred to your pet it can cause severe medical issues with a costly treatment. If you or your pet accidentally swallows water or food infested with flea larvae, tapeworm development is a risk. This is a hard disease to treat because it does not always show symptoms right away. The best way to prevent and minimize your risk of tapeworm is to stop fleas before they start.

5. Flea bites are bothersome to pets and can cause further health complications
Flea bites are incredibly annoying and can cause a great deal of frustration to you and your pets. They can cause additional health complications that will require a vet visit, medications, time and money. Some health complications include anemia, allergies, allergic dermatitis, and more. You can prevent and minimize the risk of these further health complications that result from fleas, if you are able to get rid of fleas as soon as you notice them. Pay close attention to your pets and take them to the vet regularly.