Infections That Dogs Get From Fleas

Canine flea infestations cause itching and spread easily between animals. Many veterinarians prescribe monthly flea prevention products that kill the flea on contact with the dog's skin, according to PAW Rescue. Fleas carry parasites, infections and diseases that can infect your dog and cause health problems.

  1. Tapeworm

    • Tapeworm larvae live inside fleas. When a grooming dog accidentally ingests an infested flea, the tapeworm larvae spread to the dog's small intestine, where they attach and develop into adult tapeworms, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Segments of the tapeworm break off as the worm grows and exit the dog's body in its feces. Weight loss is a common symptom of tapeworm infection. Occasionally, a dog might vomit a portion of the tapeworm that can measure several inches. Canine tapeworms can also infect humans, especially children, though the risk is low. Treatment for dogs and humans involves deworming medication, available by prescription from a physician or veterinarian.

    Allergic Reactions

    • Canine allergies to flea saliva can make the dog predisposed to developing secondary skin infections. When a flea bites an allergic dog, it can cause severe itching, veterinarian Rosanna Marsalla says on the Pet Place website. The itching can cause the dog to chew and bite itself in an attempt to relieve the itch. Excessive scratching, chewing and biting often results in oozing lesions or hot spots on the dog's skin.

    Plague

    • Plague is a bacterial infection spread by fleas infected with the disease by rats. The flea then bites the dog, transmitting the bacteria and infecting the dog, veterinarian Holly Nash says on the Pet Education website. In dogs, plague causes swollen lymph nodes but is not fatal. Treatment consists of antibiotics such as gentamycin or streptomycin. Plague is uncommon in dogs, but if your dog develops the infection you must report it to your local health department.