Fleas: causes of infestation, symptoms and remedies

external parasites of dogs, cats and many other mammals are common.

In Europe the most widespread species is the Ctenocephalides felis (cat flea), followed by the Ctenocephalides canis (dog flea) and from the "Archaeopsylla erinacei (hedgehog flea).

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Although many individuals do not show important signs of infestation, it is the hematophagous activity of the parasite that causes the symptoms in dogs and cats. The flea, carrying out the meal, injects into the capillaries of the skin substances with an anticoagulant action, which can create visible local allergy reactions such as papules, pustules, crusts, alopecic areas and erythema.

In predisposed subjects, the situation can be more serious and lead to the development of an important dermatological disease, called DAP (flea allergy dermatitis).

• In dogs, DAP is recognized for its location in the shape of an inverted V in the lumbosacral area and for the lesions caused by self-trauma resulting from itching. The lesions that form can lead to secondary bacterial infections, hyperpigmentation phenomena and lichenification of the skin.
• In cats the typical lesions are given by a symmetrical miliary dermatitis on the animal's body or on the neck.
• Man too can manifest these reactions to flea bites with a localization typically in the lower limbs and ankles.

Another symptom can be given by the subtraction of small quantities of blood, if carried out for a long time and by high quantities of arthropods present, leading to the finding of iron-deprived anemia.

Finally, fleas can be vectors of other pathogens. The most commonly encountered is Dipylidium caninum, cestode transmitted through the ingestion of the flea by dogs and cats and which develops the adult form in their intestines. The transmission of a helminth, Dipetalonema reconditum, which lives in the subcutis and in the perianal area of ​​the dog and some bacteria that can cause disease in humans too: Bartonella henselae, Rickettsia conori and Yersinia pestis.

For further information: Tight flea bites. In situations of minimal infestation, however, it can be difficult to find adult fleas, which can be ingested during grooming, especially in cats.

On the other hand, it is possible to find eggs or feces of adults which, containing undigested blood, can be easily recognized using a damp cloth on which they will melt leaving an intense red halo.

in dogs for their repellent action.However, these molecules are toxic to cats, so it is absolutely forbidden to apply them to this species and temporary removal is recommended in the case of administration to cohabiting dogs.

chloronicotinic nitro-guanidines, such as imidacloprid with long-lasting neurotoxic action, taken by fleas with blood meal or by contact with the exoskeleton.

neonicotinoids, such as nitenpyram with very fast action on fleas

phenylpyrazoles, such as fipronil with a moderate killing activity by acting on the nervous system of the flea, and pyriprole which kills fleas in 12-24h

developmental inhibitors and growth regulators, such as luferulon and metoprene which act by inhibiting certain stages of larval and pupal development.

metaflumizone, which causes paralysis starting from the buccal apparatus of the flea.

There are numerous combinations of the aforementioned drugs on the market both for the treatment of established pulicosis and for correct prevention, which take into account the serious toxicity of some of these towards the feline species.

In fact, it is essential for the fight against parasites caused by fleas to protect dogs and cats from infestation with adequate treatments. Although the cycle of the arthropod sees a peak of reproduction in the period from spring to autumn, the latest studies have shown the continuity even in the winter period supported by the heat of the houses and by climate change.

We therefore recommend an accurate preventive scheme agreed with your veterinarian, who will be able to indicate the best treatment considering the risk factors present.