Parasites
It's that time of year when FLEAS are on the incline and can cause misery for both dog and owner. Here are a few facts that every dog owner should be aware of:
Adult FLEAS feed on blood and will bite people as well as cats and dogs.
Only 5% of FLEA population is on the animal - i.e. 95% in the environment!
Eggs are laid on the animal but fall into the environment, for instance pets' bedding, carpets, and develop into larvae.
Pupae develop and the new adult FLEAS inside can remain dormant for many years. They can sense movement, warmth and even the breath of a passing host (dog), and hatch only when they have something to feed on!
If you see FLEAS on your dog you should treat the ENTIRE HOUSE.
FLEAS can cause FLEA BITE DERMATITIS by irritiating the skin of the animal and can also transmit infections.
FLEA ALLERGY DERMATITIS (FAD) is caused by an allergy to FLEA saliva.
FLEAS are just one of the many parasites that can affect your dog, there are many more, both Endoparasites (internal) and Ectoparasites (external). I have some very informative and free leaflets in the salon with excellent information on all of these parasites for anyone that would like to find out more.
Please remember that parasites are not selective when it comes to their host, they will infest and feed on ANY dog, they do not discriminate and every dog to them is a free meal ticket, regardless of the dogs age, physical condition, amount of hair or owners' financial situation!
As responsible dog owners, we should arm ourselves with knowledge and keep our eyes peeled. Treating your dog regularly with a prescribed product is an excellent way to reduce the risk of infestation. Your dog can't tell you if he/she is suffering from one of the many parasites but there are signs and prevention is better than cure.
The leaflets are called: It's a jungle out there!
Adult FLEAS feed on blood and will bite people as well as cats and dogs.
Only 5% of FLEA population is on the animal - i.e. 95% in the environment!
Eggs are laid on the animal but fall into the environment, for instance pets' bedding, carpets, and develop into larvae.
Pupae develop and the new adult FLEAS inside can remain dormant for many years. They can sense movement, warmth and even the breath of a passing host (dog), and hatch only when they have something to feed on!
If you see FLEAS on your dog you should treat the ENTIRE HOUSE.
FLEAS can cause FLEA BITE DERMATITIS by irritiating the skin of the animal and can also transmit infections.
FLEA ALLERGY DERMATITIS (FAD) is caused by an allergy to FLEA saliva.
FLEAS are just one of the many parasites that can affect your dog, there are many more, both Endoparasites (internal) and Ectoparasites (external). I have some very informative and free leaflets in the salon with excellent information on all of these parasites for anyone that would like to find out more.
Please remember that parasites are not selective when it comes to their host, they will infest and feed on ANY dog, they do not discriminate and every dog to them is a free meal ticket, regardless of the dogs age, physical condition, amount of hair or owners' financial situation!
As responsible dog owners, we should arm ourselves with knowledge and keep our eyes peeled. Treating your dog regularly with a prescribed product is an excellent way to reduce the risk of infestation. Your dog can't tell you if he/she is suffering from one of the many parasites but there are signs and prevention is better than cure.
The leaflets are called: It's a jungle out there!