Flea and Tick Season

Q. When should dog and cat owners begin thinking about fleas and ticks this year? A. Right now! With the warmer weather that we have had recently, fleas are likely developing and we want to control them before they infest our pets and homes. Ticks will become active by late spring. Q. Why is it important to keep fleas and ticks off of our pets? A. Adult fleas and ticks feed on the blood of their host. The feeding bites result in itching and discomfort that can lead to self trauma as the pet scratches and bites. Some dogs and cats are allergic to flea bites and have severe skin reactions to just one bite. Fleas infected with tapeworm can transmit this internal parasite to pets if swallowed (via self-grooming). Ticks can transmit infectious diseases such as Lyme disease to dogs and humans. In severe infestations fleas and ticks can cause anemia due to blood loss. Q. How can pet caretakers watch for fleas and ticks on their pets? A. Examine your pet every day and immediately after visits to wooded areas. Fleas tend to congregate on the abdomen, around the base of the tail, and the head. Ticks are usually found on the head, ears, and neck. However, both parasites can be found anywhere on your pet, so conduct a thorough examination using your hands and eyes. You may not see adult fleas, but you may see dark and light speckles (i.e. salt and pepper appearance) that are the flea dirt (feces) and eggs on your pet or his bedding. Rubbing the flea dirt with a little water on white paper will produce a reddish-brown color. You want to remove ticks within 48 hours of attachment to avoid any disease transmission. Your veterinarian can show you how to do this. Itching is a sign that your pet may already have fleas. Q. What can pet caretakers do to control fleas and ticks? A. We are very fortunate to have several products available that will not only kill adult fleas on our pets but also disrupt its life cycle. These liquid products are applied to your pets skin, are absorbed, and then gradually re-released onto the skin and coat. Advantage and Frontline are the two of the most common products; they must be reapplied regularly (~3-6 weeks depending on your pets activities). Frontline is effective against both fleas and ticks. Oral preventatives are also available. Consult with your veterinarian about which product is best for your pet given his age, condition, and lifestyle. Be sure to use cat products for cats - the dog products are toxic to them. Vacuuming regularly and washing your pets bedding can also help to control flea eggs and larvae in the home.