Fighting The Flea And Tick Battle

External parasites are the nuisance of every pet and pet owner. As well being irritating, fleas and ticks transmit disease, several of which are catching to humans. For pets, these parasites can cause physical harm ranging from severe skin problems to arthritis to laziness and depression. They can even help spread other parasites such as tapeworms to pets. In warm areas like the humid South, flea prevention is a year-round event

Nevertheless, it is critical for pet owners to approach flea prevention with the three-prong attack. That means you cannot take care of or apply prevention to your pet and believe you're going to win the flea battle. Pet owners must put forward a reliable effort by treating their pet, yard and home.

FLEAS

There are 5 types of Fleas: FleaXenopsylla Cheopis, FleaEchidnophaga Gallinacea, FleaPulex Irritans, FleaCtenocephalides Felis,and FleaCtenocephalides Canis The most ordinary flea is Ctenocephalides felis, or simply known as the cat flea, though it definitely does not separate among the canine, feline or humans species. The cat flea is completely shaped for its mission: to latch onto a warm body and suck its blood. The entomological comparable of Superman, the flea is capable of jumping as high as 13 feet and therefore has no trouble leaping on to tall dogs in a single bound! Small dogs and cats are no challenge at all.

TICKS

The most common Ticks: TickIxodes scapularis (Deer Tick), TickRhipicephalus sanguineus (Brown Dog Tick), TickDermacentor variabilis (American Dog Tick), TickAmblyomma americanum (Lone Star Tick),and TickDermacentor andersoni (Rocky Mountain Wood Tic North America is home to quite a few tick species including: the deer tick, the western black-legged tick, the Lone Star tick, the Rocky Mountain wood tick and the American dog tick. The diseases that ticks cause and spread are horrible for both humans and pets, and serious cases can even be deadly, so do not take these bloodsuckers lightly.

Some of the more well known diseases associated with ticks includes Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.

FLEA INFESTATION

The flea is a frequent problem for pets as well as their owners. As if flea bites aren't bad enough, some pets are "flea allergic" and build up harsh itching with even trivial infestations of fleas. This occurs because the animal becomes hypersensitive to the antigens in flea saliva. The best approach is to kill the flea and prevent its return. Like all parasites, fleas create a health-hazard to your pet (and to you), and can make him miserable. These annoying pests can be treated and prevented. Flea control and prevention is easier and safer than ever. The old-style, toxic products containing organophosphates, pyrethrins and permethrins can still be found over the counter, but today's most efficient products for your pet are topical treatments available from your veterinarian. Remember, you want to get a product that is safe for your picky pet and unsafe only to the fleas. Examples of good and safe products for your pets include Frontline Spray, Frontline Plus, Capstar and Advantage. What to Watch For: Itching, Chewing and Licking,Staring, anxious expression, flea dirt (looks like black pepper on the skin),skin lesions such as moist dermatitis, and presence of fleas, Treatment Treatment for fleas may be reliant on the following: the amount of infestation; whether you have both cats and dogs; the time of the year; area of contact (yard vs. park); and whether your pet has an allergy to the fleas. Many products are obtainable for the treatment of flea infestations. All products have advantages and disadvantages and may or may not be secure to use with other products. Some of the over-the-counter powders sprays and collars. In tough cases, a complete flea control program may be needed that involves treatment of your pet, yard and house.

TICK INFESTATION

Tick infestation is the existence and attachment of a tick, a blood sucking parasite. Direct contact with ticks regularly results in tick infestation. As well, ingestion of ticks can happen when the dog grooms. Tick infestations are more widespread in dogs than cats. There is no age or breed fondness, although individuals who spend more time outdoors and who are in direct contact with ticks are more often affected, such as hunting breeds. Ticks may emerge as a small dark speck on your pet's fur, or in an attached, puffy state, may appear as small growths or raisins. Ticks are essential agents of disease transmission. Although not all ticks carry disease, it is important to note that certain ones do. Signs connected with certain tick-borne diseases (borreliosis, ehrlichiosis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Lyme and others) differ with the organ system affected. Treatment Ticks should be detached as soon as possible to reduce the amount of pathogen (disease producing organism) transmitted. To do this, grasp the tick close to the skin and pull gently, normally with tweezers, and never with your bare hand.

Tick collars or products applied topically may act to prevent connection of new ticks and to promote detachment of ticks already attached. Ticks may be killed by spraying, dipping, bathing, or powdering affected individuals with appropriate tick-killing products Ticks belong to the arachnid family, which also includes spiders. Ticks may not be as widespread as fleas in a lot of areas, but they can bring serious problems in the form of diseases that can be transmitted to people as well as pets.

TREATING THE ENVIRONMENT

Keep in mind that in addition to treating fleas and ticks on your pet, you also need to treat your pet's environment, indoors and out. Many indoor products contain both an adulticide (permethrins and pyrethrins) and ingredients to kill the eggs and larvae (Nylar and Methoprene). Features to Consider in Flea and Tick Medications: Size/dosage, Effect (do you want more than one effect e.g. fleas/ticks/heartworms), Presentation: liquid, shampoo, dip, collars, spot-on, tablets, oral solutions, Safety, Efficacy, Ingredients, Cost, Guarantee, Waterproof, and frequency of Administration, Safety Tips for Using Pet Flea and Tick Medications: Always read label instructions on any flea and tick medication before administering to your pet. Review age and weight of your pet before application or dosage of any dog flea and tick medication. Give all dog flea and tick medication as directed. If your Veterinarian recommends year round treatment, follow their instructions.

Flea and Tick medication products labeled for another animal types should not be given to another pet (NEVER give your cat products labeled for your dog). Using Flea and Tick Products: Read the entire label before use. If you don't understand something, ask your Veterinarian. Follow directions exactly, using latex gloves if possible. Then wash your hands. On cats, use only products labeled for cats. Store products away from food and out of children's reach.