Fleas and ticks can live on your pet any time of the year but during summer they are particularly prevalent.
Fleas
It is important to treat against fleas for a number of reasons. They cause your pet to be uncomfortable and itchy, their saliva can cause an allergic reaction and fleas can carry tapeworms and other diseases which can then infect your pet.
If you have seen a flea on your pet, there are most likely hundreds more that you haven’t seen, both on your pet and in your house. In fact 90% of the flea life cycle is spent in the environment and not on your pet.
If the dog or cat has the freedom to come into the house it is important to treat that environment also.
There are a number of flea sprays available for the house, which are effective at killing fleas. The most important thing to remember is it will take a number of treatments to fully eradicate the problem and the pet should be treated irregularly during this period.
Ticks
Ticks attach themselves to an animal and feed until they are full before dropping off. Although ticks may attach to any area on you pet they are most often found around the face, ears and neck. They appear as small whitish lumps which upon closer inspection will have a black head and legs.
Ticks are dangerous not only because of the irritation they cause to your pet but also because of the diseases they carry such as Lyme disease.
If you find a tick you can remove it by soaking it in surgical spirits and then gently twisting it off, never pull as you may leave the head imbedded in your pets skin and this could cause further infection.
Prevention is key to good flea and tick control
To prevent and treat fleas and ticks ask your vet about spot on treatments, which will prevent and treat for 4 weeks or palatable chews which will last for 12 weeks.
Written by Sinead Kenny MRCVS, Kelly veterinary clinic, Athenry
