The risks to your pets...and you
Beyond causing serious discomfort, fleas and ticks can carry diseases dangerous to both you and your pets. Fleas can carry tapeworm larvae, which your pet can ingest. In cats, in particular, fleas can carry an organism called Bartonella henselae, which is one of the causes of cat scratch disease in humans.
Ticks can transmit such serious diseases as Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever for both you and your pets.
Many pets are also allergic to flea bites. A single flea bite can cause an intense allergic reaction in both humans and pets. When the skin is irritated or inflamed it can also become infected with bacteria or others pathogens making the problem worse. Severe infestations will cause anemia, lowering your pets immune system and making them vulnerable to various illnesses.
Ticks can be a particular problem when present in large numbers or when they attach themselves to sensitive areas like inside the ears or near an eye.
Thankfully we have the availability of many tools in our arsenal to keep us all safe from fleas and ticks. They are applied topically or in pill form on a monthly basis. Many vets recommend year round treatment for best results. A single female flea can lay as many as 30 eggs a day. The eggs then fall and land on furniture and carpets and can lay dormant for up to 8 months before hatching, even during the winter months. Treatments are normally based on the area in which you live, daily routines and any pre-existing medical conditions.
FACTS FLEAS and TICKS on CATS verses DOGS
Ticks are more often found on dogs than cats.
Dogs are more prone to flea allergies.
Owners often miss signs of fleas in cats because they mistake the cats discomfort for normal grooming behavior.
Fleas typically bug dogs on the rump, thighs and stomach. Cats are often more affected on the face, neck and back.
Let's face it, fleas and ticks are virtually everywhere! Although certain parts of the country and at specific times during the year, no cat or dog is completely safe
from them.
Today there is no reason for any pet or owner to be bothered by these nasty biting little pests.
Along with keeping up with flea meds, bombing and spraying the house and spraying or spreading insect granules to your yard, vacuum carpets, floors and furniture regularly always throwing out the vacuum bags after any signs, as fleas can survive in the bag for weeks and months. Block off damp and shady areas around your home such as; under your deck and outside stairway as fleas love these areas. Wash your pets bedding, toys and towels once a week and regularly groom your pet.
