Flea or Tick Control - Proserpine Veterinary Surgery

Flea and Tick Control

Flea Control

Fleas can be more than a mere nuisance for your pet—they pose significant health risks. Beyond causing discomfort, fleas can lead to skin conditions and transmit infectious or parasitic diseases, some of which are also transmissible to humans. In certain dogs, flea infestations can trigger flea allergy dermatitis (FAD), a highly itchy skin condition that may result in hair loss and secondary infections. Even a minimal number of fleas can cause severe irritation in dogs with FAD, making year-round flea prevention essential for their health and well-being.

The most common way pets acquire fleas is through their environment, rather than direct contact with other animals. Fleas can be picked up during walks, at dog parks, on the beach, or even in the backyard, making vigilance in flea prevention important wherever your pet spends time.

Detecting fleas can be challenging, as they are small, fast, and often present in low numbers. Some dogs may experience significant itchiness and irritation even when only a few fleas are present. It’s important to note that the adult fleas visible on your pet represent only about 5% of the total flea population. The remaining 95%—eggs, larvae, and pupae—are typically found in carpets, bedding, and other areas around the home. Since each female flea can lay up to 50 eggs per day, infestations can develop quickly if not addressed.

Fleas are not limited to the warmer months, making year-round flea control essential for the comfort and health of both you and your pet.

Paralysis Ticks: Overview, Risks, and Prevention

Paralysis ticks are small arachnids belonging to the genus Ixodes, most notably Ixodes holocyclus, which is native to the eastern coast of Australia. Despite their tiny size—usually only a few millimetres—they pose serious health risks to both humans and animals due to the potent neurotoxin present in their saliva.

Identification and Lifecycle

Appearance: Paralysis ticks are reddish-brown, flat, and oval-shaped before feeding. After engorging on blood, they swell and become darker.
Lifecycle: They have four stages: egg, larva, nymph, and adult. Ticks require a blood meal at each stage to progress to the next.
Habitat: Found in humid, coastal bush land areas, tall grass, and dense vegetation. They are particularly common during spring and early summer.

How They Affect Health

Paralysis ticks secrete a neurotoxin that affects the nervous system. The severity of symptoms depends on the species, the amount of toxin, and the host’s size and susceptibility.

In Pets:

Dogs and cats are most at risk.
Early signs include weakness in the hind limbs, coughing, vomiting, and laboured breathing.
Severe cases can lead to full paralysis and death if untreated.