Fleas & Ticks
Keeping those external parasites away from your pets.
Days like today, it’s that warm of spring that gets us more interested in taking our pet family out and about. You may enjoy a beautiful stroll through the woods, a walk along the lake or even some time playing fetch. All of these activities are enjoyable, but, can pose some risks for both you and your furry friend. Being prepared and gaining knowledge about what might be right around the corner, will keep you and yours safe and healthy. As you read below, you will find the cycle and behavior of fleas and ticks. We are here to get you better armed for these pesky critters. Additionally, included below are some resources to help you understand the infection risks in your area.
Fleas and Ticks are a common problem on our pets from spring to fall. Although we are noticing as our winters here in North Carolina become more mild, throughout the year the population has not been knocked down. We are also noticing some ticks, such as Rhipicephalus. There are many different species of ticks. Some carry diseases that can harm our pets and their owners, for example Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Ehrlichia, and Lymes. Let’s dig a little deeper. Today, Companion Animal Parasite Council shows us addition information about the common problems we can face year-round.
What is Bartonellosis: A zoonosis hidden in plain sight?
The disease is one of many that veterinarians can and do get from animals
Here is a good website to help you identify any ticks you may find on your animals www.tickinfo.com.
As with fleas, when ticks bite and suck the blood of their hosts, they inject saliva that can enable your pet to contract such diseases. If your pet suddenly becomes lame or has an intermittent lameness, fever, lethargy, anorexia or swollen lymph nodes, have your pet seen by your veterinarian.
In order to protect your pet from tick infestation, check your pet's coat regularly for them. Keep the areas your pet frequents mowed regularly. There are yard and premise sprays available as well.
There are numerous products on the market available for your animal, including:
Daily Sprays
Dips
Flea Collars
Topical Products
Oral Products
Daily Sprays and Dips kill on contact but have no residual activity.
Some Tick Collars can only be used on dogs of a certain weight and age range. They can be effective for up to two to three months.
Topical Products in the past have been very effective if applied correctly. They were indicated to last for up to a month. Today we are finding some breakthrough infections. We have treated one of our patients using Advantix, fall pray to Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.
With continued use of topicals over the years we are finding pets have an increased susceptibility to infections. The parasites are becoming more resistant to the chemicals that are in the topical products due to the amount of time they have been on the market.
Oral Medications are also available for monthly use and are newer and most effective. If administered properly.
Remember when using flea products, our flea season has extended to a year- round event. The theory that it starts early in the spring and if not properly dealt with can become a year-round problem for owners has shown not to be the case any longer.
Ticks go through four life stages:
Egg; six-legged larva; eight-legged nymph; and adult. After hatching from the eggs, ticks must eat blood at each stage in order to move on to the next one. It can take up to 3 years to complete a full lifecycle, and most will die because they can't find a host for their next feeding. Below you will find the life cycle as it occurs.
You are now armed to spend the day safely outdoors with your loving pet. The links that have been provided in this blog with serve as a great resource you can share with your friends and family. Remember, you are not alone on this journey. We are here to answer any questions you may have. As always enjoy all life has to offer with your best friend.
Live a flea and tick free lifestyle
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Live a flea and tick free lifestyle CONTACT US TODAY
Blog Written: Doreen Levers