Fleas and Ticks
Fleas are one of the most common parasites caught by Dogs and Cats and if a heavy
infestation occurs they may even bite Humans. The two main species of flea seen in
the UK are Ctenocephalides felis (Cat Flea) and Ctenocephalides canis (Dog Flea).
The main flea season runs from April to November but now with central heating and
carpeted floors fleas can be a problem in the home all year round.
The animal is the host for the adult flea so it can undergo the life cycle shown in the
diagram.
Fleas are the most common cause of skin disease in cats and dogs and the signs
usually shown involve:
Flea dirt visible on the skin
Itching
Excessive grooming
Inflammation of the skin
Hair loss
Treatment
Prevention is the best method of controlling flea outbreaks; this involves routinely
treating both cats and dogs with a licensed flea treatment product every 1-2 months
throughout the year. Licensed products include Advocate, Frontline, Comfortis and
Program.
If your animal has a flea infestation, treatment involves using a flea treatment product
on the affected animal and any other animals within the household. Due to the flea’s
life cycle it is important to treat the environment, which can involve lengthy cleaning
and the use of household insecticidal treatments to break the life cycle.
Ticks
Ticks increase in prevalence throughout the summer months and are found commonly
in rural areas.
Ticks are blood sucking mites which feed on their host, typically Sheep, Deer, Dogs,
Humans. Ticks are commonly picked up by dogs during walks and can be a vector for
other infectious diseases, some of which can be transmitted to humans, such as: Tick
Borne fever (ehrlichiosis), Lymes Disease (borreliosis) and Babesiosis.
Again prevention of Ticks is important and involves routinely using a licensed
treatment every 1-2 months particularly throughout the spring and summer.
Licensed products include Advantix and Frontline.
All of the licensed products mentioned above are available from Minster Veterinary Centre.
Written by
Tom Chalkely BvSc MRCVS