An animal's true vampire: fleas and ticks These small insects
latch on to an animal's skin and feed off of its blood. Many
wild animals live with a flea or tick infestation, but these
blood-sucking creatures aren't only attracted to non-
domesticated animals. Pets are perfects targets for such little
critters. A dog or cat's fur is a warm and safe haven for fleas
and ticks to call home. Unfortunately, the insects' diet of
blood can cause numerous health problems for pets. Allergic
reactions and anemia can develop from an infestation, and young
puppies and kittens are especially vulnerable to the effects of
blood loss. A tiny insect like that doesn't seem like it can do
so much damage, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in
numbers. Fleas and ticks often attach to animals in groups, and
since just one flea can drink 15 times its own body weight in
blood, imagine what kind of damage 100 fleas can do. This is why
it's important to detect fleas and ticks early on, so that
treatment can begin to rid your pet