If you are looking for a dog this Spring then Dogs Trust
urges you to think rescue as this will bring companionship
and health benefits for you plus a second chance for your
new pet. There are articles on the treatment of fleas and
ear problems in both dogs and cats. Guinea pigs and
ferrets also make good pets and Shona MacFarquhar
from Chapelfield gives some useful tips for their care.
In this
edition
of Small Talk...
Fleas are a very common parasite
of dogs and cats and they can be
very irritating to both you and
your pet.
Adult fleas suck the blood of your pet and cause
intense itchiness and discomfort. Secondary skin
sores and infection may develop. Some pets
become sensitised to flea bites and will experience
extreme itchiness. This is called “Flea Allergic
Dermatitis.” They are also responsible for
transmitting some types of tapeworm to our pets.
Not to mention the fact they can bite humans too!
A flea is a small insect of approximately 2mm in
length. They can be seen wriggling or jumping within
your pet’s fur. They are often most prevalent around
the rump and groin. If you are concerned your pet
may have fleas, contact your vet practice as they
will be able to check for fleas on your pet and give
further advice about how to get rid of them.
Fleas are very successful at surviving
in many different environments and therefore it is
almost impossible to ensure your dog or cat isn’t
exposed to them. The adult flea will spend most of its
life living on your pet. A female will lay 30-60 eggs
per day. These eggs will then hatch into larvae which
in turn develop into pupae which may lie dormant in
the environment before hatching into fleas. During
warmer weather or within centrally heated homes,
this life cycle can take as little as 14 days.
In order to control fleas a combination of different
products may be necessary. Firstly it is important
to treat each individual pet in the household with
a flea product. They are available in different forms:
a “spot on”, oral tablet or twice yearly injections.
Secondly, it may be necessary to treat the home
environment with an insecticide. This will stop the
eggs or larvae developing into adult fleas. Some
of these household sprays will be effective for 12
months. (Note: these sprays are toxic to fish so
don’t use if you have an aquarium.)
Many flea products are available, your vet will be
happy to discuss with you the best regime for
your pet. Some products will protect against other
parasites such as mites, roundworms or lungworm.
by
Sarah Smith
BSc BVSc MRCVS
An adult flea
may lay up to 60 eggs each day.
An adult flea
can jump up to 8 inches.
A female flea
consumes 15 times her weight in blood daily.
Friars Moor Veterinary Clinic