Fleas can be distressing for your pet, however they are more than just a nuisance. Fleas can cause skin disease and transmit infectious or parasitic diseases, some of which can be transmitted to humans too. In some dogs, fleas can also trigger an allergic condition called flea allergy dermatitis (FAD), a skin disease that is intensely itchy and can result in hair loss and skin infections. In dogs with FAD, even a small number of fleas can cause intense irritation, meaning year-round flea control is essential!
Flea & Tick Control
Fleas
Fleas are most often seen during the warmer months but as we keep our homes nice and warm throughout winter, we can see fleas all year round. Did you know that seeing a flea on your pet only makes up 5% of the problem?! This means 95% of the problem is in the environment. The fleas’ eggs and larvae live in the environment and can survive for up to a year, so it is important to not only treat your animal directly for fleas but also decontaminate the environment as well. Wash your pet’s bedding using the hottest cycle and regularly vacuum/clean carpets.
Spotting fleas isn’t always easy – they are small and fast, and some dogs can show signs of severe itchiness and irritation when only a few fleas are present. The other thing to consider is that the adult fleas you see on your dog are only part of the problem. You may be surprised to learn that adult fleas (the ones you see) make up only about 5% of the total population. The remaining 95% (eggs, larvae and pupae) are found in carpets and bedding - in fact anywhere in your house! Each female flea can lay up to 50 eggs per day so it doesn’t take long for an infestation to take hold.
I can't see any fleas - does that mean they're not there?
Fleas will tend to jump onto your pet only to feed and then jump off again. Dogs and cats can have a reaction to flea saliva resulting in a skin condition called Flea Allergy Dermatitis (or FAD). Treatment of FAD can be complicated and veterinary consultation is recommended. Some signs that your pet may have fleas include 1) scratching, biting and hair loss, especially at the base of the tail and rump, 2) seeing fleas (especially over the rump and in the groin region), and/or 3) seeing "flea dirt" (flea poo with digested blood).
It can be difficult to find the fleas, but is relatively easy to check for flea dirt. Come see us and we can help you address any potential flea issues.
What can I use to help prevent fleas?
Warning: Some non-veterinary brands of flea treatments for dogs are potentially lethal when applied to cats. Always seek veterinary advice about the best flea treatments for your pet.
A flea bomb in your pet's environment can help along with regular preventatives. We do not recommend flea collars or flea shampoos alone as they fail to address the environmental flea infestation.
The paralysis tick (Ixodesholocyclus) is one of the most dangerous parasites that can affect your pet. Tick paralysis is estimated to affect tens of thousands of dogs and cats per year in Australia, with many animals dying. The greatest risk is associated with high numbers of adult ticks in spring and summer, but disease can be seen throughout the year. Paralysis ticks are found on the east coast of Australia, from northern Queensland to Victoria.
For dogs, we strongly recommend using either Bravecto chews which treats for both fleas and ticks for 3 months (which you can timed with 3 monthly intestinal worming), or spot-on Bravecto which lasts for 6 months. For cats, we recommend using spot-on Bravecto Plus which treats both fleas and ticks and other parasites such as heartworm, intestinal worms, and ears mites for up to 2 months.
Please call us to discuss an appropriate flea control program for your pet.
The main tick of concern for pet owners is the Paralysis Tick (Ixodes holocyclus) as it can cause paralysis and death within 2-4 days of attachment. Whilst Paralysis Ticks occur naturally only in certain geographic areas (mainly along the coastal eastern seaboard of Australia) they can attach to pets who visit these areas during the warmer months, particularly if they are allowed to run through scrub. Ticks may also hitch a ride back with you or a neighbour in cars, rugs, towels or plants.
If you notice a tick on a pet that is not displaying signs of tick paralysis, do not remove the tick.
SEEK VETERINARY ATTENTION IMMEDIATELY!
Please call us immediately to make an appointment to have it removed. Your pet should be seen immediately to ensure no signs of paralysis are forming. If your vet gives you the clear, your pet should be kept cool and quiet whilst being closely monitored for 24 hours. If your pet starts to display any signs of tick paralysis, such as vomiting, weakness, staggering, breathing difficulty, or altered bark, seek immediate veterinary attention as this is a genuine veterinary emergency. If your pet is showing any of the above signs, do not offer food or water as these may be accidentally inhaled causing respiratory issues.
What happens if my vet advises treatment?
Treatment of tick paralysis includes searching for and removing all ticks. This may include clipping the animal completely and/or the use of medication to kill any remaining ticks. Your pet may need to be hospitalised and put on an IV drip. Tick antiserum is administered to counteract the toxin and supportive care is provided during recovery. This can be costly in comparison to what it would cost to use tick prevention initially. However, no tick prevention is 100% effective and should always be used in combination with daily searches of your pet. Searching your pet shouldn’t cease once you return from tick-affected regions but should continue for at least 7 days after returning home. Use your fingers to feel over the entire body, especially under the collar, on the face and around the front of your pet. Don’t forget to check carefully between the toes, under the lips and in the ears. We are more than happy to show you how to do a thorough tick search, please call us to discuss.
Prevention is far better than trying to treat a case of paralysis tick. We strongly recommend year round protection, especially before going to tick-affected regions. For dogs, we strongly recommend using Bravecto chews which treats for both fleas and ticks for 3 months (which you can timed with 3 monthly intestinal worming), or spot-on Bravecto which lasts for 6 months. For cats, we recommend using spot-on Bravecto Plus which treats both fleas and ticks and other parasites such as heartworm, intestinal worms, and ears mites for up to 2 months.
Remember, no tick prevention is 100% effective and should always be used in combination with daily searches of your pet. Searching your pet shouldn’t cease once you return from tick-affected regions but should continue for at least 7 days after returning home. Use your fingers to feel over the entire body, especially under the collar, on the face and around the front of your pet. Don’t forget to check carefully between the toes, under the lips and in the ears.
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