How to Treat Your Pet's Fleas

Dog/Cat Flea

On the farm, fleas are a frequent parasite detected in working dogs. Adult fleas prey upon blood of dogs, causing discomfort and suffering in sensitive animals and leading to the Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD). In only 24 hours, a single flea may absorb up to 10 times its body weight in blood, biting the pet up to 400 times per day. Fleas may also spread parasites (such as the flea tapeworm) and illnesses.

What Exactly Is FAD?

FAD is an allergic reaction in dogs to saliva secreted by fleas as they feed on the dog. This causes severe itching, frequent grooming, hair loss, and self-trauma, all of which may cause discomfort and make dogs more susceptible to subsequent skin diseases. A single flea sting may cause a susceptible animal to itch, and just because you do not see any fleas does not indicate they are not the source of the scratching.

A Brief Overview of the Flea Lifecycle

Adult fleas feed on blood and live on the animal. Female fleas begin generating eggs 36-48 hours after they begin eating, and they may lay up to 50 eggs every day. Eggs fall off the coat and hatch into grub-like larvae, which then disperse throughout the surroundings. Larvae reside in dirt, carpet, gaps in the flooring, furniture, and bedding to escape the light. They eat adult flea faeces as well as trash found in the environment. Pupae, which are sheltered by a cocoon, develop from the larvae. Pupae are more durable and less sensitive to chemical control because of this cocoon (insecticides, flea bombs). After 10 to 12 months, the adult flea develops in reaction to external stimuli (such as heat, pressure, or vibration).

Flea-Infested Environment

Flea growth and reproduction are aided by warmth and humidity, whereas development is slowed by cold temperatures. Fleas will remain active in reduced numbers through the winter, feasting on untreated pets and developing up to 50 eggs every day, which will pollute the surroundings. These eggs will hatch into larvae, then pupae, which will stay inactive until the weather gets warmer, at which point they will hatch into adults and search for an animal to depend upon.

Getting Rid of Fleas

All pets in the home should be treated on a regular basis and as instructed (frequency, body weight) throughout the year. Fleas are not repellent, therefore if they are existing in the atmosphere they will hop onto the pets, even if they have been treated. Products from the Advantage Family

"The Natural Dog Flea & Tick Collar" destroys fleas on your dog as well as larvae in the surroundings. The active substance is very little absorbed into the bloodstream, staying mostly in the fatty layer of skin and fur. The components are shed in the environment and absorbed by larvae when the animal normally sheds dead skin cells. Within 3-5 minutes, they halt fleas from biting and kill re-infesting fleas within an hour. Because the active components activate on contact, fleas do not need to bite the dog to be impacted, resulting in less pain for your pet and a lower chance of disease transfer.

Dogs with Ticks

Ticks are ubiquitous parasites, and Australia is home to one of the world's deadliest tick species, the paralysis tick, which is a serious hazard to working dogs.

A Few Thoughts on Ticks

Ticks are parasitic animals that need a blood meal in order to develop, mature, and breed. They have four separate life stages: egg, larva, nymph, and adult, all of which require finding a host and feeding. Ticks may contain illnesses that are transmitted to animals when they are fed. Ticks enjoy warm, humid weather and are most plentiful in the spring and summer. They may, however, be seen all year, particularly in the tropical and subtropical areas. Ticks like deep wilderness and tall grass, as well as pet kennels. Exhaled co2, body temperature, movement, and even shifting shadows are used to find hosts.

Ticks that cause paralysis

Hosts of Paralysis Ticks

Wildlife species such as bandicoots, possums, and kangaroos are natural hosts for paralysis ticks. Dogs and cats, on the other hand, are vulnerable hosts.

Tick Toxicity Paralysis

The neurotoxic in the saliva of larvae, nymphs, and adults is transferred into the host during feeding. Tick paralysis and mortality in a pet may be caused by a single mature paralysis tick. Tick poisoning symptoms generally appear 3-4 days after the tick is attached and include:

• Inability to walk due to weak back legs
• Intolerance to exercise and lethargy
• Appetite loss.
• Change in the tone of voice
• Breathing problems
• Gagging, vomiting, or drooling

Ticks on Brown Dogs

The dog is the brown dog tick's natural host. Cats, cattle, sheep, and horses, on the other hand, are sensitive hosts. Brown dog ticks are non-venomous, however they may cause inflammation, anaemia (in severe infestations), and tick fever (defined as blood-borne parasite which causes fever, inappetence, anaemia as well as depression). Brown dog ticks may be found in great numbers, and each female may lay as much as 5000 eggs. Larvae, nymphs, and grownups must all adhere to and feed on animal, and they normally utilise the same host every time, surviving in the same habitat as the host (e.g. kennel). As adults, they may go for 1.5 years without eating. The removal of kennels and the use of pesticides, as well as animal control, are all used to combat these parasites.

Bush Ticks

The most frequent hosts are wildlife and livestock, although they may also cling to dogs. They are non-venomous, but in excessive quantities, they may cause irritation and pain, as well as anaemia. Keeping your working dog safe

Mosquitoes and flies

Insects that feed on blood, such as mosquitoes and flies, thrive in hot and humid environments. Working dogs are bothered by these insects. Their biting and eating creates skin sores as well as infections, as well as scratching and biting at themselves, which may lead to further harm. Veterinary care may be necessary in certain circumstances. Mosquitoes may potentially spread heartworm disease to pets by feasting on their blood.

It might be tough to keep these vexing insects at bay; however there are some steps you should do to keep your dog safe.

• Reduce the quantity of stagnant water pools on the property.
• Remove anything that may attract flies on a regular basis, such as faeces, leftover pet food, and open waste.
• Bathe bug wounds in warm water on a daily basis to remove dried blood.
• Use insecticide spray both inside and outside the home.
• To prevent your dog against these pests, use an effective solution.