### Diseases Spread by Fleas and Ticks Fleas and ticks are more than just a nuisance for pets; they can also spread several serious diseases. Here are some of the most common ones: #### Anaplasmosis - **Symptoms:** Fever, lack of energy, loss of appetite, inability to stand or walk, nosebleeds, and other bleeding issues. #### Babesiosis - **Symptoms:** Pale gums, yellow-orange whites of the eyes, weakness, fever, and weight loss. This disease affects dogs but has not been reported in cats in the U.S. #### Ehrlichiosis - **Symptoms:** Sluggishness, fever, weight loss, bleeding issues, swollen lymph nodes, and lameness. Symptoms appear 1 to 3 weeks after the bite. #### Hepatozoonosis - **Symptoms:** Lack of muscle strength, unwillingness to stand or move. This disease occurs if your pet eats an infected tick. #### Lyme Disease - **Symptoms:** Fever, sluggishness, and lameness. This disease is common in dogs and less frequent in cats. #### Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever - **Symptoms:** Coughing, diarrhea, vomiting, redness in the eyes, nosebleeds, blood in urine or stool, and problems standing or walking. This disease affects dogs and humans but not other animals. #### Cytauxzoonosis - **Symptoms:** Breathing problems, loss of appetite, jaundice, and coma. This disease is deadly to cats and does not affect dogs. #### Dermatitis - **Symptoms:** Red, scabbed, and itchy skin. This is an allergic reaction to flea saliva. #### Tapeworms - **Symptoms:** These parasites live in the small intestine and pass through poop. They rarely make pets sick but should be treated. #### Hair Loss - **Symptoms:** Bald spots due to excessive itching and biting triggered by flea allergies. #### Bartonella (Cat Scratch Disease) - **Symptoms:** Fever, joint pain, and unusual behaviors. This disease spreads through ticks, fleas, and sand flies. ### Prevention Tips - Groom your pet weekly with a flea comb and wash its bedding. - Consult your vet for the best flea control product. - Use consistent tick prevention medication. - Wear gloves to check your pet for ticks regularly, especially after spending time in wooded areas. - Discuss Lyme disease vaccines with your vet if your pet has high exposure to ticks.