This entry was posted on 2022-09-02 by Pet Heaven Store.

Are fleas and ticks harmful to dogs and cats?

Yes. Fleas and ticks are harmful to both dogs and cats. Flea infestations cause inflammation, skin infection, blood loss, and can transmit tapeworms. Ticks spread numerous diseases including babesiosis, ehrlichiosis and anaplasmosis. Additionally, in more severe infestations, ticks and fleas can also lead to anemia due to blood loss.

Tick bites can also lead to skin necrosis and cause huge open wounds.

How can you tell if your pet has fleas or ticks?

Ticks start out the size of a poppy seed and then grow as they engorge with blood. Often, ticks can be very easy to miss so most people either happen to find one after it has been feeding for several days and is engorged or they find a sore left on the pet where the tick detached itself after it was done feeding. Some people only notice when the animal shows signs of a tick-borne disease.

Fleas spend less time on your pet than ticks do, jumping on to bite a few times and then jumping off to lay eggs in the environment. The most common symptoms of fleas are hair loss and ditching. You may also see red skin, scabs and flea dirt. Flea dirt (flea poop) will look like dirt but when sprayed with hydrogen peroxide will bubble and turn red because it is actually dried blood. Dogs that are allergic to fleas also develop hair loss on the rump area.

How do I prevent fleas and ticks on dogs and cats?

The best way to prevent fleas and ticks is to use an FDA-approved flea/tick prevention on your pet according to the product label. Also use a product that kills the immature life stages that might be present in your house and environment.

Vacuum your home thoroughly on a regular basis, making sure to dispose of the vacuum bag after every cleaning.

Ticks cannot jump like fleas or fly. Instead, they crawl to the tips of grasses and shrubs where they wait until a moving animal (or person) brushes past, then let go of the vegetation and climb onto a host. This is known as “questing”. Keep your lawn trimmed short so ticks won't have a hospitable outdoor environment in which to lurk.

How often do cats and dogs need flea and tick treatment?

The vast majority of flea/tick preventative products need to be applied every 4 weeks. Bravecto is the only currently approved flea/tick product that has been shown to be effective for 3 months. A Seresto collar provides protection for 8 months.

Do ticks and fleas affect humans?

Although fleas prefer to feed on dogs and cats, they can bite humans and cause swelling, itching and local irritation.

Ticks, however, enjoy feeding on humans as much as other animal species and do not have a preference that we are aware of. Ticks spread numerous blood-borne infections across species, for example babesiosis. Additionally, tick bites will cause local swelling and irritation.

Where are these fleas and ticks coming from?

Fleas and ticks like warm weather, but they also like shade and a certain degree of humidity. This means that they prefer to gather in tall grasses, shrubs, under doghouses and other hospitable areas in your yard or garden. Fleas are passed easily from animal to animal, and may even travel into your home on your clothing.

Aren't fleas and ticks just a summertime problem?

Fleas and ticks breed and grow in temperate environments -- but in this era of modern climate control, that temperate environment could easily include your home. It's wiser to regard fleas and ticks as a year-round threat to your pet's health and comfort.

What makes flea bites itch?

Many pets are allergic to the substances in flea or tick saliva. This causes allergic dermatitis in the bitten skin, with symptoms that include itchy sores or bumps. Pets that chew or lick these itchy lesions can make matters worse by damaging the skin, allowing bacteria to infect it.

How do I get rid of the fleas on my pet?

Fleas are relentless and will literally jump at every opportunity to infest your pet AND your home. Treating fleas on your pet is not enough, you MUST treat your home as well. Once your pet has fleas, only 5% of the population is on your animal while the remaining 95% resides in your home, including the carpet, bedding, furniture and just about everywhere else.
To rid your home of the infestation there are several products that are available on the market including foggers, premise and yard sprays among others. You may need to retreat your home 2-4 weeks later to kill the fleas that have hatched after the initial treatment. Once you have successfully eradicated the fleas in your home, you must continue to use a preventative product on your pet to make sure that they do not return.

How do I know which preventative product to use?

There are many products available and it can be an overwhelming process if you’re not sure which product is best for your animal. Talk to your veterinarian about your pet’s needs, your lifestyle and your budget to help you choose the right product.