A Snapshot of Fleas and Ticks

Fleas are parasitic, wingless insects that jump from host to host and use a needle-like mouth to suck up blood. There are about 3,000 types of fleas around the globe, but the cat flea is most commonly seen on our domestic cats and dogs. Fleas multiply quickly: in one day, a female flea can drop 30-50 eggs which develop into flea larva, and later hatch in carpet, upholstery, or other dark, warm spots. The larva then spin a cocoon to change into pupae and, in as little as a week, an adult flea emerges and quickly seeks a blood meal.

Members of the arachnid family, ticks are also flightless and depend on host animals to survive. But, unlike fleas, ticks do not spring from place to place. Instead, they sense heat and carbon monoxide coming from their prey and wait in tall grass or brush to hitch a ride. Certain kinds of ticks can live for up to a year without a meal, but when they get going in the warmer months, a female tick can lay up to 3,000 eggs.

Harbingers of Disease

Besides transmitting several different diseases, such as cat scratch fever, even or other parasites, such as tapeworm; flea allergy dermatitis can cause serious itching and inflammation, leading to damaged skin and secondary bacterial or fungal infections.

Ticks are responsible for spreading Lyme disease to it’s victims, as well as ehrlichiosis and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. These are zoonotic diseases, so it’s important to prevent ticks in order to protect yourself and family members.

Lyme disease symptoms appear as:

  • Lethargy
  • Fever
  • Loss of appetite
  • Muscle and joint stiffness, soreness, swelling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Renal failure

Undiagnosed and untreated infection can cause tissue damage, but with proper diagnostics and antibiotics, your pet could see experience relief and full recovery. We advise that your dog receive the Lyme disease vaccination if his or her lifestyle includes time spent in the woods.

Cats, unfortunately, cannot presently receive this vaccine, so careful daily scrutiny of your feline’s fur coat and skin after rolling about in the turf is highly recommended. Remember, ticks can pass disease to humans. Please wear gloves and, if you find a tick, dispose of in a sealed container with alcohol.

Best Prevention Practices

Keep your property free of weeds, refuse, and long grass to keep rodents and pesky parasites at bay. At your pet’s annual wellness visit, we can discuss the right topical or oral parasite preventives specifically for your pet. Daily vacuuming and regular washing of your pet’s bedding and frequented hang-out areas can reduce fleas in your home.

Flea and Tick Prevention

Fleas and ticks are responsible for a great deal of preventable stress, discomfort, and disease. In support of your pet’s health and wellbeing, let’s make sure that he or she has full flea and tick prevention.  Please let us know if you have any concerns or questions, or schedule your pet’s wellness visit learn more about how to best protect him or her from fleas and ticks.