Fleas and ticks are two of the most common pests that affect our beloved pets. These tiny creatures can cause a lot of discomfort and health problems for our pets, making them any pet owner's worst nightmare. While parasite problems are more common in warmer weather, they are active all year round and can have a serious impact on the health of our furry friends. It is important that all pet parents understand the risks associated with parasites, and keep their pet safe with year-round prevention.
Fleas
Fleas are tiny, parasitic insects that feed on pets by biting through their flesh and consuming blood. Fleas can jump up to 150 times their own height to attach to your pet’s skin and coat, and can lay up to 50 eggs per day. Eggs become larvae which are more resistant to insecticides than adult fleas. Flea eggs and larvae thrive in warm, damp places such as in the bush or garden. They are known for their ability to lay dormant for long periods and emerge in response to increases in temperature or humidity.
Once the adult hatches, it needs to find a host e.g. a dog or cat for a blood meal, so it latches onto the animal and drops eggs in the environment. It is important to note that fleas live in our environment, and can get carried into our yards by wildlife or picked up on social outings. They are resilient and can stay active all year round, meaning even healthy, well looked after dogs can be affected.
Flea bites generally cause skin irritation, with heavy infestations often leading to serious health problems such as anaemia and hair loss. In addition, dogs can develop severe allergies to flea bites, commonly known as flea allergy dermatitis. It is vital to ensure your pet is regularly treated with a flea preventative to minimise the risk of a flea outbreak and any associated problems.
Ticks
Ticks are blood-sucking parasites that attach themselves to animals and people. Once they are attached to a host, they feed, transmitting a range of diseases during the process. There are various different types of ticks prevalent in Australia, with the most common being paralysis tick, brown dog tick and the bush tick. Ticks are present all year round in coastal regions of Australia, and are particularly potent in spring and early summer. Ticks can cause serious and potentially fatal diseases in pets, therefore it is vital that pet owners know how to keep their dog safe from ticks.
Paralysis ticks are the most dangerous parasites that can affect your pet as they produce a toxin which causes paralysis in dogs and cats. This can lead to an inability to walk, swallow and breathe, with more severe cases resulting in death. If your dog has any symptoms of a paralysis tick bite, you should take them to the vet immediately.
Brown dog ticks, although they cannot cause paralysis, can cause skin irritation, and heavy infestations may result in anaemia from excess blood loss. In addition, brown dog ticks can also transmit potentially fatal infections from one dog to another.
Regular application of tick control products such as Nexgard Spectra, Advantix or Bravecto will reduce the likelihood of your pet contracting a life-threatening illness that is associated with tick toxicity. In addition, you should check their skin daily for ticks, especially dogs and cats who venture outside.
Treatment
There are a huge range of products available to help control fleas and ticks on cats and dogs. Tablets, chews and spot-on treatments are typically more effective than flea collars, powders and baths. It is important that your parasite prevention program treats every stage of the flea life cycle, from eggs and larvae all the way to adult fleas. It is also essential to treat all year round, as there can be eggs and larvae in the environment waiting to hatch, and if your dog is not protected there is a risk of reinfestation.
Regardless of whether your pet spends their time indoors or outdoors, it is important that you treat them for parasites, this includes indoor cats. Fleas and ticks can easily find their way into your home, so an infestation can occur without your pet venturing outside.
Nexgard Spectra
Nexgard Spectra is a monthly chew that provides protection against fleas, ticks, heartworm disease, intestinal worms and mites. It also controls flea allergy dermatitis, prevents flea tapeworm infestations and treats and controls mange. This highly palatable chew protects your pet for a whole month and is the most complete parasite protection on the market. Purchase Nexgard Spectra here.
Bravecto
Bravecto offers long lasting protection against fleas, ticks, mites and worms. Bravecto comes in highly palatable chews, as well as an easy to apply spot on treatment, offering protection for paralysis ticks for up to 6 months. Purchase Bravecto here.
Simparica Trio
Simparica Trio provides triple protection against fleas and ticks, intestinal worms and deadly heartworm disease in a tasty monthly chew. It contains a specially optimised trio of ingredients for proven efficacy, including the ingredient moxidectin. Purchase Simparica Trio here.
Advantix
Advantix is a broad spectrum parasite treatment that kills fleas and ticks, repels mosquitoes, sand-flies and stable flies, and controls lice. Advantix kills fleas on contact, meaning they don’t have to bite your dog to be killed. This helps reduce the risk of disease transmission from insects and avoids itching and irritation. Purchase Advantix here.
It is important for pet owners to be aware of the risks and take necessary precautions to prevent infestations and protect their furry companions. With proper prevention and treatment, we can ensure that our pets are happy, healthy, and free from the discomfort and dangers of fleas and ticks. With the wide range of options available, choosing the right flea and tick prevention can be confusing and overwhelming. Our pet experts are here to help you select the right product for you and your pet. Please visit us in store or contact us if you require assistance in choosing a prevention program suitable for you and your pets.
