Image: Dog enjoying rolling around on grass (Tonia Kraakman via Unsplash)
Fleas are wingless insects that survive on blood from their host. The flea lifecycle begins when eggs are shed and hatch into larvae within 1-12 days. Eggs then become pupae, and finally, the flea hatches. This lifecycle can take anywhere between 2 weeks and several months.
Signs to look out for in a dog with fleas include scratching, bites, rashes, flea dirt (black specks), and flea eggs (white specks). Signs your cat may have fleas include bald patches, scratching, excessive grooming, and skin irritation.
If you notice your pet has fleas, it is important to act as soon as possible. Wash all bedding and clothes on a hot 60-degree wash. You should thoroughly hoover all carpets and floors. In order to exterminate the fleas in harder-to-clean areas such as sofas, cars, or furniture, a household flea insecticide such as Indorex Defence Spray is recommended. Never spray household sprays directly onto your dog. A preventative flea and tick treatment should be used monthly for your pets.
Simparica is used to treat and prevent flea infestations and ticks in dogs. It is in tablet form and should be given monthly. Stronghold is used to prevent a variety of parasites in cats, including fleas. Stronghold comes in a spot-on form, which is applied monthly to the back of the neck.
Image: Tick (Catkin via Pixabay)
You should check your dog regularly for ticks, even if they are on preventative treatment. Pay attention to the neck, behind the ears, the legs, and the stomach. Avoid places where ticks are known to be present, such as grassy and wooded areas. It is also recommended to have a tick remover in case you need to remove a tick from your pet whilst you are out.
In order to effectively remove a tick, you should:
Slide the remover under the tick as close to the skin as possible.
Without pulling upwards, twist the tool in one direction until the tick loosens.
Slowly lift the tool away from the skin; the tick should remain in the hook.
Take care to remove the head of the tick along with the body.
If this article has raised any concerns, or you require further advice on fleas, ticks, or treatments, please call us at Coquet Vets on 01665 252250.
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