Fleas and ticks are mini vampires that feed on our pets. Given the chance they will breed uncontrollably. Thankfully these days it’s simple to control these parasites.
Fleas
Fleas live in your carpets and in your pet’s fur. Their lifecycle can be anywhere from a couple of weeks to many months, so a few fleas can rapidly over-run your house. You‘ll notice your pets scratching if they are infested. Simply running a comb through their coat may reveal specks of blood, or even live fleas. Fleas spread easily because they can jump up to 10cm.
Ticks
Ticks on the other hand live in long grass. They transfer to you or your pet for a meal, and then drop off. They can spread Lyme disease so remove them safely with a cheap and simple tick twister. Never pull off ticks with your fingers, because the head may stay buried, and this can cause infections.
How To Control Them!
Dogs
Dogs will scratch themselves raw if they are infested with fleas. Regularly use a spot-on treatment that kills fleas and ticks. Brush your dog and treat his bedding. Just washing it isn’t enough if fleas are present. You’ll need to spray it with a flea treatment.
Cats
Cats generally loathe any kind of spray or powder. If your moggie does, use a spot-on treatment. A flea comb or tick twister will help tease any out whilst you wait for it to work. Keep a glass of water beside you to put live fleas in. You’ll have to be quick though!
Rabbits / Guinea Pigs
Use a spot-on treatment to keep them flea free. Because rabbits and guinea pigs don’t usually mix with others, or catch fleas from wild animal by hunting them, they may not pick up parasites. Be watchful though, and if in doubt treat them. Remember that house rabbits can catch fleas from cats and dogs.
Caged Birds
It isn’t likely your bird will have fleas, but they can catch mites and lice. An anti-mite spray is usually enough if you spot any scratching.
Take Care
Dog flea products poison many cats each year as a result of accidental application, or close contact to a treated dog. Symptoms include drooling, tremors and seizures. It’s not safe to swap your flea and tick treatments between pets.
If you are thinking about flea and tick control it’s worth worming your pet too, as fleas carry tapeworm larvae.
Parasites will harm your pets and they may spread to your family too. With simple low cost treatment available there’s no time like the present to de-flea your pet
Confused? Questions? Pop into the shop and we’ll gladly assist you!