Flea & Tick Season is Here!
It is hard to imagine that something as tiny as a flea could be dangerous. We all know that fleas can make pets itchy. Some of us are too familiar with the skin inflammation in a fleabite allergic pet, but many people forget that fleas can drink a lot of blood. That can lead to physical state of inadequate red blood cells called anemia. When anemia is severe, it is a life threatening condition.
It is easy to underestimate a pet’s infestation. Only animals allergic to fleabites will show signs of itchiness from fleas. Animals that are not allergic to fleabites may not scratch or lose hair. Thus the owner may not realize that there is a heavy infestation. The black pepper-like specks found in an infested pet’s coat are actually bits of blood that have been sucked up by the fleas and excreted into neat packages of larval fleas and flea excrement. This substance falls off around the home and yard and later new fleas hatch in the environment.
Even if fleas are not seen, flea dirt is proof that fleas are present. Anemia is not the only ailment being caused by fleas on our pets. Pets with Flea Allergy Dermatitis have skin irritation and infections that make them miserable. They may also experience a decreased appetite and weight loss.
If that wasn’t enough, fleas are the main source of tapeworm’s infection in our pets. Part of the tapeworm’s life cycle is to be eaten by the flea’s larval stage. When these larva become adult, pets can ingest them by grooming themselves. The infected stage of tapeworm then becomes active in the pet.
Another important parasite to discuss is Ticks. Ticks are skin parasites that feed on blood of their hosts. Ticks like motion and warm temperature from body heat and carbon dioxide exhaled by mammals. This is why Ticks are attracted to dogs and cats. The Tick bite itself is not usually painful, but the parasites can transmit diseases such as Babesiasis, which cause anemia, Lyme disease, Ehrilichiosis, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
Who are the victims? All pets that go outdoors are exposed to flea and ticks. What baffles some owners is how their primarily indoor pet got fleas. The answer often lies in visiting a friend’s house, going inside a pet store with their owner, or living with a pet that goes out. That’s all it takes. Young kittens and puppies, as well as elderly pets are most vulnerable to the effects.
The good news is that there are great products in our market that can prevent these problems and conditions from occurring. The first step is to know that the environment is infected with fleas and ticks. Since we know how these pests can harm our animal companions, it is best for their health and more cost effective to prevent infestations than to wait and have to treat them.
Have peace of mind and treat your pet monthly with one of our recommended preventative products. We have found that over the counter or Internet shopping does not always save dollars, as we try to keep our prices as low as possible, while still being able to provide the manufacturer’s guarantee to pay for treatment should the product fail in anyway. Some of the preventatives will also protect against heartworm disease and intestinal parasites.
At East York Veterinary Center, we will recommend the product or combination of products for your pets’ lifestyle needs and safety.