Ticks and fleas are very common to animals specially dogs and cats. But because vermin can attack our furry little animals, it is important to know some basic facts about these two vermins.
Dog fleas are six legged wingless little insects that measure approximately 1.5 to 3.3 mm long. It is very active and can jump either horizontally or vertically up to 200 times its own height. Their body is hard and polished with tiny hairs. Its armor-like shell provides armor that is very resistant to finger pressure. They feed on their hosts’ blood by piercing and sucking using their tube-like mouth.
Fleas – Life Series and Environment
An adult female flea after having a good feast of fresh blood from its host may lay up to 50 eggs per day. In just a short span of time, let’s say three months, a pair of these two little critters can produce up to 20,000 fleas! Their eggs are laid normally on the skin of their host and hatches after about two days to two weeks. The larvae in order to live, feeds on tiny food fragments. After some time, it can turn into tiny pupae which, later on, will hatch into a new batch causing harm to the dog but also to its owner! It is important to keep in mind the life cycle of the flea before considering what kind of protective measure you are going to undertake. This could give you a better chance of breaking the cycle of reproduction.
Following are some traceable signs and symptoms that can confirm that your pet is suffering from fleas infestation:
– Tiny bits of dark reddish brown “grains” attached to the dog’s fur itself. Test if these are excreta from fleas by wiping them using a damp paper cloth or towel. A noticeable tinge of blood red on your paper towel will confirm infestation.
– Use of flea comb.
– Bald patches due to skin irritation or excessive scratching, redness, and tiny red spots on your dog’s complexion
Once flea infestation is confirmed, your next best move is to consult a qualified veterinarian regarding preventive measures that will fit your dog, and will be safe for you and the whole family.
Tick (Nuttalliella namaqua) is an eight-legged arachnid, a cousin of spider that is well-known for spreading diseases such as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, tularemia, encephalitis, and tick paralysis. The most common among its genus that feed on dogs are wood tick, brown dog tick, and the deer tick; they all thrive in woods and shrubby areas.
Not like fleas, ticks are slow movers, hence they can be spotted easily. With the use of cotton buds dipped in disinfectant, one can perfectly remove ticks. They’re frequently found between the dog’s armpits, inside ear flaps, between digits and paw pads, tail, inside thighs, et cetera.
Using the tweezers, grasp the tick purposefully, then, gently rock the bug back and forth until it lets go. Be sure to avoid contact with the ticks’ body fluid by wearing clean gloves or surgical bags. To avoid local infection on the spot where the ticks were removed, a blob of disinfectant is recommended.
To control tick invasion, start to look for places that are suitable for them to reproduce. Trim regularly garden grass or damp bushes. To manage the condition, there are medicated shampoos, powders and sprays that are specially design to get rid of ticks and fleas. All the same, a visit to a licensed veterinarian is highly recommended to ensure proper care of your beloved dog and safety of your family.
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