Our pets bring joy and comfort into our lives and their welfare is a top priority for many pets owners. However, there’s a threat capable of jeopardising the health and happiness of our pets - fleas and ticks. These tiny and often underestimated creatures can bring significant discomfort to our pets. In this blog post, we’ll explore the dangers of fleas and ticks and emphasise the utmost importance to protect our furry pals from them. 

First of all, what are fleas and ticks? 

Fleas are tiny, wingless insects that are typically reddish-brown in colour. It has a flattened body shape, enabling it to move easily through an animal’s fur. On the other hand, ticks are arachnids, closely related to spiders and scorpions. They have round body shape and are commonly found in shades of brown, black or reddish-brown.

Both fleas and ticks are external parasites that can infest our pets and feed on their blood, leading to a variety of health issues. Therefore, it is vital to implement preventive measures and prompt treatments to protect pets from the harmful effects of these parasites. 

Threats of Fleas

Fleas are blood-feeding parasites that target our pets, often leaving the skin red and irritated, causing discomfort. Pets may itch intensely and resort to scratching or biting at the affected areas, possibly. Additionally, fleas are capable of transmitting diseases and parasites. For instance, they can carry tapeworm larvae, which may be ingested by pets during self-grooming. 

Furthermore, some pets may develop an allergic reaction to flea saliva, leading to a condition known as Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD). FAD manifests as severe skin inflammation, hair loss and a continuous cycle of itching. 

In severe cases, fleas can even induce anaemia. A flea can take in almost 15 times their own weight in blood, leading to a considerable loss of blood through continuous feeding. This loss of blood leads to lower red blood cell count which inturn, causes symptoms such as weakness, lethargy and pale gums. 

Flea warning signs: 

• Flea droppings (dark specks in the fur)
• Flea eggs (white specks in the fur)
• Excessive licking or scratching
• Scabs or hot spots on the skin

Threats of Ticks

Like fleas, ticks infests pets like dogs and cats. They have the ability to attach themselves to the skin for an extended period, ranging for several days to a week,as they feed on the pet’s blood. A tick’s bite can cause localised skin irritation and infection, sometimes resulting in painful abscesses. 

They are also notorious for their role in transmitting various diseases to their hosts. These diseases include Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever and more. As ticks feed, they can become engorged with the pets’ blood, visibly increasing in size. 

Tick warning signs

• You can feel ticks when you pet your dog or cat, you can also sometimes see them. 
• Often attach near the head, neck, ears or paws 
• Usually found around ears and eyes of cats

It is important to know that fleas and ticks can transfer from pets to humans and have the ability to persist in household environments for several months, potentially infesting our homes. 

Prevention

Regular Grooming

Brushing and combing your pet on a regular basis helps to remove dirt and loose fur on their coat, making it less appealing for these parasites. It can also help you to detect any ticks or fleas early. 

Preventive Products

There are several products in the market that can help kill or repel ticks and fleas, preventing infestation. From topical treatments, oral medication and specialised collars, there are many convenient methods of protection for your pets. It is best to consult your veterinarian on which method is best suited for your pet. 

Environmental Control

It is important to keep your home clean to fend off fleas and ticks. Routine cleaning, such as vacuuming and mopping, plays a pivotal role in eliminating flea eggs and larvae, effectively preventing them from developing into troublesome adults. Overall, a clean home contributes to a healthier and more comfortable living environment for both you and your pets. It also minimises the risk of secondary infections or allergic reactions stemming from flea or tick infestations. 

Fleas and ticks may be small, but their impact on the health and well-being of our cherished pets is far from insignificant. With a proactive approach to prevention, you can ensure that your furry companions stay happy, healthy and free from the harmful effects of these troublesome parasites.