Summer Solutions to Parasite Pests

Mosquitoes, Fleas & Ticks

Spring is here and so are those insect pests that not only annoy humans, but also cause many problems and illnesses for our animal friends. We did not have much of a winter in Texas this year, so we are already seeing many flea and tick infestations in our patients.

It is up to YOU (the pet owner) and US (the veterinary health care team) to provide the solutions to win this war. Working together with consistent and strategic efforts, we can be successful.

1. Mosquitoes ● transmit heartworms to dogs and cats ● transmit West Nile Virus to humans ● cause painful skin irritation and sores

You can help fight the bite by using the “4 D’s” Strategy: Drain - standing water (bowls, trash cans, birdbaths, wading pools, boat tarps, old tires, grill covers, etc…) Dress - with long sleeved, light colored clothing outside Deet – use repellants that contain DEET Dusk to Dawn – mosquitoes are most active from just before sunset until just after sunrise; avoid activities during this time.

It is imperative that you keep your dogs and cats on heartworm preventive 12 months of the year, in order to keep them from contracting this deadly disease.

2. Fleas ● transmit Cat Scratch Disease to cats ● transmit tape worms to dogs and cats ● transmit Haemobartonella bacteria, which causes feline infectious anemia ● cause flea allergy dermatitis in dogs and cats – itching, sores and hair loss

A female flea can lay up to 2,000 eggs in her lifetime. You can control this problem by using a flea preventive product on your dogs and cats 12 months of the year. Consistency is the key to control.

3. Ticks ● transmit Lyme Disease to dogs and humans ● transmit Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever to dogs and humans ● transmit Ehrlichia Canis and Anaplasmosis to dogs (serious diseases) ● transmit Cytauxzoonosis to cats (life-threatening disease)

Ticks can survive up to two years without taking a blood meal. A female tick can produce up to 22,000 eggs in her lifetime. Our doctors at Arlington Animal Hospital check your dog’s blood for these diseases once each year to assure that they remain healthy.

With these basic facts in mind, you can understand why it is important to give flea, tick and heartworm preventives every single month to every dog and cat in your care. There are a variety of safe and effective products available. The doctors and technicians at our hospital would be happy to discuss these different products and strategies for parasite control. Also keep in mind that parasite prevention involves an offensive plan for your home and yard, of which we can offer advice and educational hand-outs.

Have a safe and cool Spring! Dr. Bonnie