Ticks are small spider-like acarids and fleas are insects, but these two tiny creatures have at least one thing in common - they are both parasites that feed on your dog’s blood and can cause a lot of discomfort and more serious health problems.

Flea bites may go unnoticed on some pets, cause slight irritation in others and produce extensive itching, red lesions, hair loss and even ulcers in those animals with flea allergy dermatitis, which is the result of extreme sensitivity to flea saliva. Severe flea infestations can cause anaemia, especially in puppies. Fleas can transmit several diseases, as well as tapeworm. Ticks are also "vectors" or carriers of a number of diseases.