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If you’re the type of person that gets the willy’s when looking at creepy crawly things, you may want to pass on this article. There are just a couple of photo’s but they can induce the willy’s!
This is an infestation that came on fast! This flea infestation was beyond belief.
California Heat Triggered A Hatch
Flea eggs can remain dormant for months, triggered to hatch only when they detect vibrations, heat, or carbon dioxide from a nearby host. In California, following a cold and dry winter, the sudden shift to 80-degree weather in March has created the perfect incubator for a massive, synchronized hatching event!
Cocker Spaniels A Flea Magnet
For fleas, an older Cocker Spaniel is the ideal host. This breed is famous for a coat that traps moisture, particularly around the ears and paws, creating a perfect microclimate for pests. Between the recent weather and these breed-specific traits, this senior dog faced an overwhelming infestation in less than a week.
From Skin Rash To Flea Infestation
The pet parent was completely unaware of the infestation, as she had been focused on finding a specialized diet to manage her dog’s chronic skin rashes. Her dedication to his health is commendable, which made the news even more shocking. She was understandably horrified when I messaged her to report that the ‘rash’ was now a severe flea infestation.
His skin rashes make him itchy. When the rash was going away she couldn’t understand why he was still itching. It was the fleas taking over from the rash.
He didn’t have a lot of flea dirt coming off as some dogs have. When the dog is picked up or held the flea dirt will stick to your skin or you see it drop off. With Cocker Spaniels their fur is so thick and dense the flea dirt doesn’t fall off as easily.
The Infestation
I had brought the dog into the grooming trailer and began removing fur, the pre-bath cut. And that’s when I saw it, flea dirt! Piles and piles of flea dirt!
This poor little guy was certainly struggling. I got him straight into the tub for a deep-cleaning bath, and the water turned bright red almost instantly from the flea debris. After four thorough washings and a meticulous blow-dry—checking every nook and cranny to ensure he was clear—he was finally feeling much better.
Successful Treatment!
With the owner’s approval, we applied a topical treatment to prevent any new fleas from taking hold. Given the severity of the infestation, anemia was a real concern, so I suggested a diet rich in iron for a few days to help him replenish his strength. I checked in with the family a couple of weeks later—I’m happy to report he’s doing great!