The former owner of a terrier has been charged after the dog almost died from a massive flea infestation.
The SPCA said the senior dog, named Rascal, lost about 85 per cent of its blood, but has now recovered and is doing well in a new home.
Many people don’t realize that flea infestations can pose a threat to animals’ health, the SPCA said.
“Fleas feed on blood, which is why poor Rascal was in critical distress when he came into our care,” SPCA senior animal protection officer Tina Heary said in a statement.
“He was literally dying from fleas.”
Rascal had to be rushed to a veterinary hospital, where his treatment included blood transfusions.
His condition was so severe that the SPCA sent out a news release stressing the need for flea prevention.
Gary Kenneth Bob of Lantzville is facing one count of animal cruelty.
