TICK AND FLEA PREVENTION FOR DOGS

Before we start discussing about tick and flea prevention for dogs, I would like to write briefly about the meaning and difference between both. Tick and flea are parasitic organism that lives in a host which could be a dog or any animal, where they feed on the host’s blood fluid to survive and reproduce.

Ticks are small, oval-shaped parasites with eight legs. They feed on the blood of animals like dogs, horses, and even humans. They can’t jump but can crawl and seek out their hosts via smells, sounds, and body heat.

while fleas are wingless insects that also feed on the blood of your dogs. they have a tough cuticle, bearing many bristles of broad flat spines. There are several species of fleas, they have six legs and irritating bites that can often carry disease. Fleas are so tiny they can be hard to see with the naked eye, But, fleas can jump extremely high and all types can find their way to your dog.

 

 

TYPES OF FLEA

Dog flea: which has the botanical name (Ctenocephalides canis) is a species of flea that lives on various types of mammals, particularly domestic dog,s and cats. It closely resembles the cat flea, Ctenocephalides felis, which can live on different animals and is generally more common worldwide.

 

Sticktight flea: These are generally known as poultry fleas, they are identified with the botanical name Echidnophaga Gallinacea. They don’t just infest poultry; they are also seen on dogs, rabbits, people, horses, rodents, cats, etc. They are very popular in the USA and other parts of the world.

 

Cat fleas: These are parasites that feed on the blood of any warm-blooded animal. They are one of the notable groups of parasites because they don’t only cause discomfort by biting, they transmit several diseases. Cat fleas most common domestic fleas. They are found throughout the United States and the rest of the world, most often on dogs and cats. However, they can also be found on other hosts, like Fox, mongoose etc 

 

Rat flea: It comes with the botanical name Xenopsylla cheopis. which is a small parasite that feeds on rodents’ blood. They are known carriers of different of diseases and are considered the main cause of bubonic plague in animals. Infection is transmitted after a flea feeds from an infected rodent and then bites a dog, human, or animal.

 

They start their life cycle as white eggs, which drop from the female and hatch on the ground or animals’ bedding. The developing larvae are approximately 3 to 5 mm in length and appear similar to small or without legs. Adult rat fleas have two eyes that can only register light. The mouth of the rat flea is used to inject saliva and draw blood. Fleas are incapable of flight but can jump up to 210 times the length of their bodies and 120 times their own height.

Unlike adult rat fleas, larvae do not consume blood, but instead eat dead skin cells, flea droppings, and the dog’s hair. After emerging from the pupae, they can comfortably draw blood and reproduce. Adults can live up to one year and prefer to dwell in warm environments.

DISEASES CAUSED BY TICK

Anemia: is a condition in which there is less than the normal number of red blood cells or fewer than the normal quantity of hemoglobin in the blood. The condition may be caused by a lack of iron, folic acid, vitamin B12, or other nutrients necessary for red blood cell production. The most common symptoms of anemia are fatigue, pale skin, and shortness of breath.

Lyme disease: this is an acute inflammatory disease characterized or also known for its rash on the skin, joint swelling, and fever, which is caused by a tick bite. Moreover, it is healthy to bring your dog out to play, Most of the time, keeping them at home is the best way to avoid ticks. After having a playful walk outside, always check them for any signs of ticks or itching as the longer a tick stays attached to your dog, the higher risk of developing disease.

Ehrlichiosis: This is a disease that primarily spreads through the bite of an infected tick, it causes several symptoms including gastrointestinal problems, aches, fever, and chills. Treating in time reduces the risk of serious illness, tick and flea prevention from dogs is best applied by avoiding bites from ticks or fleas.

 

TREATING EHRLICHIOSIS

The most effective method of treatment ehrlichiosis in dogs is antibiotics

Brown dog tick normally spreads this infection

Ehrlichiosis is a bacterial infection transmitted by an infected tick.

Dogs cannot pass the disease to humans and vice versa.

Within some weeks of the bite, Symptoms such as fever, weight loss, and trouble breathing can surface thereby affecting the dog’s health.

Tick paralysis

Tick paralysis is a disease that causes tingling and numbness all over the body of a dog when bitten by ticks. In the U.S., tick paralysis is most common in the Rocky Mountain state, and also the Southeastern part of the country. The American dog tick, Rocky Mountain wood tick, and are likely to cause tick paralysis. But different kinds of ticks can cause tick paralysis, and the symptoms depend on the breed or species of tick that bit your dog.

Symptoms can be alarming, treatment is simple: remove the tick, and your dog will usually feel better in a couple of hours.

Tick paralysis is not common, but you should take it seriously because in rare cases if it is untreated, the disease can affect your dog’s lungs and make it hard for it to breathe. This can be too severe.

 

TICK AND FLEA PREVENTION FOR DOGS

Tick and flea prevention for dogs is to ensure that your dog is not exposed to ticks. For most dogs, it requires the use of year-round tick prevention methods. There are different types of tick prevention available for your dog’s use, which includes oral medications, tick collars, and topical medications, Tick prevention not only prevents tick and flea but also prevents other tick-borne diseases in dogs. Talk to your veterinary doctor to determine the best tick prevention for your dog.

There are several oral prescription fleas and tick drugs that are considered to be quite safe for dogs. These preventatives come in pill and chew forms. Your vet can help you find the right one for your pup’s age. The common side effect noted on the prescription of oral flea medications is vomiting.

For example( trifexis) will protect your dog from intestinal parasites and heartworms including fleas, but it does not work against ticks. Your vet will need to prescribe the best treatment.

Another topical treatment for tick and flea prevention for dogs is the Bravector which offers protection from fleas and ticks for 8-12 weeks per dose. Bravecto also requires a prescription from your veterinary doctor.

Oral flea and tick medications are great for households with small children or other small pets who may be in danger of coming into contact with the chemical residue from flea collars or topical medications.

No medication is without the risk of side effects, but leaving parasites on your dog untreated is far more dangerous and unhealthy. Your veterinary doctor can help you pick out the safest and most effective flea and tick treatment based on your dog’s unique characteristics, age, lifestyle, and health status.