Fleas cause significant welfare problems in pets through skin irritation, anaemia in heavy infestations, and disease transmission, with effective prevention being straightforward.
Flea infestation causes continuous pruritic suffering in affected animals. Pets with flea allergy dermatitis experience intense itching from even one flea bite, causing self-trauma, secondary skin infections, and significant behavioural distress. Young kittens and puppies with heavy burdens can develop fatal anaemia. The welfare cost of inadequate flea control is entirely preventable.