Say No To Ticks And Fleas

Contraction Method

Ticks: Infested mammals drop ticks into the environment and pets pick them up. Ticks are especially found in tall grass.

Fleas: From the environment and other infested animals. The majority of the flea population (eggs, larvae and pupae) are found off the pet, in the environment.

Symptoms

Ticks: The bite itself is not usually painful, but the parasite can transmit diseases like babesiosis and ehrlichiosis (tick bite fever), which can be fatal.

Fleas: Itching and other skin problems. Fleas can transmit diseases and other infestations like tapeworm.

Frequency Of Appearance

Ticks: Very common if the pet does not get preventative treatment.

Fleas: Very commonly found.

Treatment

Ticks: Remove ticks. The tick-borne diseases should be treated by a veterinarian.

Fleas: The transmitted diseases need to be treated by a veterinarian. Use preventative flea treatment and dewormer.

Prevention

Ticks: Use a residual pesticide that is registered for the treatment of ticks on dogs and cats. DO NOT use dog products on cats.

Fleas: The ideal flea control programmes use products that target all of the various stages of the flea lifecycle and treat the pet’s environment. Treat all pets with a monthly flea control product. Vacuum all carpets and upholstery to get rid of flea eggs and then discard the vacuum bag. Treat the environment with a product that is safe for pets. Our instore pet assistant will gladly help you, or see our products online at www.familypetcentre.co.za.

Effects on humans

Ticks: They can transmit diseases like rickettsioses, ehrlichioses, Lyme disease, relapsing fever borrelioses, tularemia and Q fever to humans.

Fleas: They can transmit diseases like the plague (which still occurs in certain countries), murine typhus and even cat scratch disease to humans.

Source: contentUtrust