Most ticks are visible to the naked eye.Ticks are particularly prominent in warm climates and certain wooded areas of the Northeast.Ticks prefer to attach close to the head, neck, ears and feet, but can be found anywhere on your pet’s body.Ticks can be transferred from pets coming into the household from outdoors.Ticks tend to be most active in late spring and summer and live in tall brush or grass, where they can attach to dogs and outdoor cats.Ticks bury their head into a host’s skin when they bite and then gorge themselves on blood.Most species of ticks require blood meals from a host to survive.Tick species and disease transmission tend to vary based on where you live, so check with your vet about what is common in your area. Although their presence may not even be noticed by the host, ticks can transmit many diseases through their bite. Like mites and spiders, ticks are arachnids. Ticks are parasites that feed on the blood of unlucky host animals, such as cats and dogs. There are many preventative flea control products available, both as prescription and over-the-counter formulas.Keep the outside of your house free of organic debris, such as rake clippings and leaves, and remember that fleas like to hide in dark, moist, shady areas.Use a flea comb on your pet and wash his bedding once a week.Lawn treatments may also be needed if your pet keeps getting re-infected every time it goes outside.It is very important not to use products on your cat that are intended for dogs.Severe cases may require using a spray or a fogger, which requires temporary evacuation of the home. Thorough cleaning of your house, including rugs, bedding and upholstery.Topical or oral treatment or the use of shampoos, sprays and powders on the pet.Once your veterinarian confirms the diagnosis, a treatment plan may include the following: It is important that all of your pets are treated for fleas, including indoor and outdoor cats, and that the environment is treated as well. Some pets have heightened sensitive to the saliva of fleas, which can cause an allergic reaction known as flea allergy dermatitis.Ĭonsult your veterinarian if you suspect your pet has fleas.This is especially problematic in young puppies or kittens, where an inadequate number of red blood cells can be life-threatening.Fleas can consume 15 times their own body weight in blood, which can cause anemia or a significant amount of blood loss over time.These eggs drop out onto rugs, upholstery, bedding and furniture the new adult fleas will, in turn, find their living host (either human or animal).Adult fleas spend most of their lives on the animal, laying eggs in the fur.Fleas thrive in warm, humid climates at temperatures of 65 to 80 degrees.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |