Pest Problems: Fleas & Ticks


Fleas
Dogs & other warm-blooded animals are especially prone to catching fleas in warm-weathered climates or during the summer months when air temperatures and humidity levels are high. Dogs can catch fleas from other furry friends, or from the environment. Fleas use their strong back legs to jump on the “host” (your dog) and then bite the animal. These bites can cause itching, hair-loss & hot-spots from itching, inflamed lesions and even skin infections.
You may also notice small dirt-like particles on your pet – which is flea feces and digested blood. The female fleas can live up to a few weeks on your pet, and may lay between 20-30 eggs a day during that time. Some eggs will hatch into larvae on your pet, while the others fall off, into your home environment – where they feed off skin scales and other organic matter. Pet parents must treat both the dog as well as the inside & outside home environments.

Ticks
Ticks are parasitic arthropods that attach themselves and feed off warm hosts, such as your dog. Ticks are usually found in the wooded areas, in long grass, and plants. Dogs that spend a lot of time outdoors are prone to encountering a tick at any given time. When your dog does, the tick can attach and lock its mouth into a crevice or fold and begin to feed on blood – sometimes even feeding for days.
Besides being gross, ticks cause major concern for animals and people alike because of a high-risk for transmitting diseases such as Lyme, ehrlichiosis, rocky mountain spotted fever, or babesiosis. A tick bite can also cause anemia, joint-swelling, fever, and paralysis. If your pet displays any signs of illness, and you suspect he/she was bitten by a tick, consult your veterinarian immediately. Always check your pet for ticks if they’ve been running around outside, especially in wooded areas.
Treat With
Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Flea & Tick Shampoo & 14 week Spray, Richard’s Organics Flea & Tick Shampoo & Spray, Groomer’s Salon Select Flea & Tick Shampoo.