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Fleas and Ticks

 With a day in the 70s just recently, we are definitely looking at fleas and ticks making an appearance here soon!  

Fleas

Believe it or not Fleas are actually huge carriers of disease!
    - Cat Scratch Disease (fever) - a disease in humans that is thought to be caused by bacteria transmitted in flea feces.
    - The Plague - transmitted by fleas and rodents to animals and humans.  Although this is not very common these days, it is still seen!
    - Tapeworms- these are one of the biggest issues we see with fleas.  These intestinal parasites are transmitted when your pet ingests a flea.
    - Flea Bite Anemia - a condition in which fleas have drained so much blood that your pets body is unable to function normally.  This is most common in very young and elderly animals.  This can be FATAL!
    - Haemobartibellosis - a disease transmitted mainly by fleas and ticks that have fed off of other infected animals.  Signs and symptoms are usually slight anemia, depression, loss of appetite, and dehydration.

Flea Allergy Dermatitis - is one of the most common skin ailments we see.  If your pet is experiencing Flea Allergy Dermatitis, you may notice:

     - Excessive Scratching
     - Red Irritated Skin/ Bumps
     - Hair Loss on back half of body (around base of tail, inner thigh, groin, and stomach areas especially)
     - Cats may be itchy around their necks

Flea Allergy Dermatitis is also known as Flea Bite Hypersensitivity. As few as one or two flea bites can cause severe scratching of skin.  This will result in hair loss and scabs.  Animals that have Flea Bite Hypersensitivity are actually reacting to the Fleas saliva.  Each time a flea bites the animal, the saliva causes a reaction that is very irritating to the skin.  Pets that are allergic to fleas may require treatment with antihistamines or steroids to relieve that itching.  Antibiotics may also be necessary to treat bacterial infections.  Flea dirt is feces made up of the blood the flea has been sucked out of your pet.  If you see flea dirt, your pet has fleas.

Ticks

Ticks are the cause of disease as well.

     - Lymes Disease is one of the most common diseases we see.  It causes stiffness, lameness, swollen joints, loss of appetite, fever, and fatigue.  Most dogs will not show any signs of this disease until several months after infection.
     - Canine Ehrlichiosis is also a very common tick-borne disease.  It can also be the most dangerous.  It can cause fever, loss of appetite, depression, weight loss, runny eyes and nose, nose bleeds, and swollen limbs.
     - Canine Anaplasmosis is transmitted through the deer tick.  It can cause fever, loss of appetite, stiff joints, and lethargy.  It can also include vomiting and diarrhea.
     - Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever can be transmitted through a couple different ticks.  The American Dog Tick, the Wood Tick, and the Lone Star Tick are all able to transmit this disease to your pet.  This disease can cause fever, stiffness, neurological problems, and also skin lesions.

Tick prefer cool, moist environments, shaded grasses and shrubs.  In our area they are most active from the end of March until the end of June.  They tend to not be as active in the dry summer months, then become active again in late fall.

Flea and Tick Prevention

This is the best way to prevent tick-borne diseases.

At the Connersville Veterinary Clinic we carry 3 products that are designated specifically for Fleas and Ticks.

Nexgard

     - Kills Fleas and Ticks for 1 month
     - Pet must be 8 weeks and older
     - Pet must be 4lbs and higher
     - Used only on Dogs

          Frontline Gold

     - Used on both Cats and Dogs
     - Kills Fleas and Ticks
     - Pet must be 8 weeks and older

           Seresto

     - Used on both Cats and Dogs
     - 8 month Flea and Tick Preventative
     - Dogs must be 7 weeks and older
     - Cats must be 10 weeks and older