Photo: Yass Valley Veterinarian Dr Fiona McPhail
There are many flea and tick products on the market. Yass Valley Veterinary recommend a range of newer generation products that effectively prevent against fleas and ticks as no resistance has been documented.
These come in monthly, three-monthly or six-monthly treatments, and come in either a top-spot or chewable formulation. Discuss with one of our friendly staff today which product would be best for your pet and your situation.
Fleas
- Irritation from fleas is one of the most common cause for scratching in cats and dogs.
- It is caused by a reaction to flea saliva injected into the skin when fleas bite your pets.
- Only 5% of the flea’s life cycle is actually on your pets.
- Cats and dogs are also very good at grooming fleas out of their coat, but you may find “flea dirt” in the coat.
- Other signs include biting, scratching and rubbing itchy areas. You may notice hair loss and small bumps on the skin.
- The skin may become thickened over time, and the self-trauma may result in superficial skin infections.
- Itching may be seen more in the warmer months but can be all year round indoors or in sheltered areas.
Ticks
- We generally do not have paralysis ticks in our area. However, there have been reports in recent years of paralysis ticks being found on dogs in the ACT and surrounds.
- Paralysis ticks are found along the east coast of Australia.
- Paralysis tick intoxication can be life-threatening requiring extended intensive care, as the tick toxin progressively paralyses muscles.
- One of the first things noticed is a change in voice, before their pet becomes uncoordinated and has difficulty breathing.
- Tick prevention in combination with daily tick searches is so important.
- Most ticks will attach around the head, neck and front legs area. They try to find places they won’t be knocked off like lip folds, under collars, in ears or between toes. If removed promptly, they have less time to inject fatal toxins into your pet.
