Fleas and ticks and dogs – Oh My!
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Fleas and ticks and dogs – Oh My!
By Penny Eims
Dog News Examiner
View all articles by Penny Eims
Dogs can become infested with fleas
Credits:
PE
Fleas and ticks – these parasitic insects are no friend to our
four-legged companions. Unfortunately, these annoying,
blood-sucking pests can become more prevalent when the weather warms
four-legged companions. Unfortunately, these annoying,
blood-sucking pests can become more prevalent when the weather warms
Yesterday, I was granted a one-on-one interview with an expert on
this important, timely dog issue – Dr. Melinda, Manager of Scientific
Affiars and resident veterinarian at Hartz.
this important, timely dog issue – Dr. Melinda, Manager of Scientific
Affiars and resident veterinarian at Hartz.
She holds a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine and a Ph. D. in Animal
Sciences, and she is a member of the American Veterinary Medical
Association.
Sciences, and she is a member of the American Veterinary Medical
Association.
In other words – Dr. Melinda knows her stuff.
There are a few things that you may not know about fleas and ticks and a few things that you should know.
You may be surprised to know that all topical flea and tick products are held to the same strict EPA guidelnes -regardless of where you buy them.
That means that the product you purchase at your local retail outlet
is held to the same testing – the same standards – as the products
purchased from a vet clinic.
is held to the same testing – the same standards – as the products
purchased from a vet clinic.
Though you may be concerned about putting a flea/tick preventative on
your dog, you may not realize that dogs living in areas where
fleas/ticks are prevalent, may be put at risk of more than just constant
aggravation.
your dog, you may not realize that dogs living in areas where
fleas/ticks are prevalent, may be put at risk of more than just constant
aggravation.
Dogs suffering from these parasites may encounter the following:
tapeworms
flea bite anemia
flea allergies
Lyme disease
This one may surprise you – plague. Yes, apparently plague, which is carried by fleas – is still lurking around.
While topical flea and tick products are generally considered to
be safe, there are a few key points that Dr. Melinda wanted to
emphasize:
be safe, there are a few key points that Dr. Melinda wanted to
emphasize:
Don’t over-apply the product. It is vital to know the weight of your dog and to apply what is recommended on the package.
Allow the product time to work. Fleas/ticks will start to die within
24 hours, but you may see fleas after that time. This is likely due to
fleas jumping on the dog from other areas of infestation.
24 hours, but you may see fleas after that time. This is likely due to
fleas jumping on the dog from other areas of infestation.
Do not keep reapplying the product (powders, topical, flea shampoo,
flea collars) in a desperate attempt to eliminate the fleas – give the
one product enough time to become effective.
flea collars) in a desperate attempt to eliminate the fleas – give the
one product enough time to become effective.
Be sure to treat the dog’s environment – not JUST the dog – wash
bedding, vacuum frequently, utilize a lawn pest control product.
bedding, vacuum frequently, utilize a lawn pest control product.
Dogs that may not be candidates for a flea/tick product include the following:
Seniors – over 7 years of age for large breeds and over 10-11 years of age for small/medium sized dogs
Dogs with known health conditions such as Diabetes
If you have a dog with a known health condition – or a dog that is
older, please discuss using a flea/tick product with your own
veterinarian first.
older, please discuss using a flea/tick product with your own
veterinarian first.
Dr. Melinda’s final recommendation – be aware of the pests in your own area and treat your dog accordingly.
There is no need to treat your dog for parasites that are not
thriving in your region, but it is a mistake to avoid all flea/tick
treatments in areas where your dog may become infested.
thriving in your region, but it is a mistake to avoid all flea/tick
treatments in areas where your dog may become infested.
You may recall Grace, the neglected dog that wound up at the Multnomah County Animal shelter –
she was so infested with fleas that much of her hair was missing – she
was in misery from the mass of parasites that had taken up residence on
her body – nobody wants that for their own dog.
she was so infested with fleas that much of her hair was missing – she
was in misery from the mass of parasites that had taken up residence on
her body – nobody wants that for their own dog.
It was a pleasure speaking with Dr. Melinda – I learned that she
started out in my neck of the woods – Washington State. I also
discovered that she is a dog lover who has a soft spot for Spaniels –
she owns two of her own.
started out in my neck of the woods – Washington State. I also
discovered that she is a dog lover who has a soft spot for Spaniels –
she owns two of her own.
See more from Dr. Melinda at this link.
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HERE IS SOME MORE INFO FOR YOU…
* Any shampoo left on for five to 10 minutes will kill fleas but not eggs.
* Flea combs are good for getting fleas around the face. Drop them in soapy water.
* For dogs only: Use 10–20 drops of any of the following essential oils: rosemary, lavender, cedar, citronella, eucalyptus and pennyroyal. Mix with a pint of water and use to spray animal. Some essential oils have shown to be toxic to cats.
* Citrus oil extracts are said to kill both adults and eggs.
* Never put undiluted essential oils directly on a pet. As with anything you use on or feed to your pet, watch for adverse reactions.