This week I will continue my series on parasites with a discussion about flea and tick control.
Fleas are the most common external parasites for dogs, followed closely by ticks. Each of these parasites comes complete with a unique set of problems that they cause their host. But the good news is, they are easily controlled.
Fleas are most commonly associated with itching, but they carry other problems as well. For instance, fleas transmit tape worms, and some dogs have allergies to fleas that can cause major skin irritations.
Ticks are a little different. There are several different types of ticks and they carry several different types of diseases which can be very problematic for dogs and humans alike. Rocky Mountain Spotted Tick Fever and Lyme Disease are among these diseases and are possibly the most common.
Luckily for dog owners, fleas and ticks are easy to control in dogs. In my experience, it is easiest to control fleas and tick in your yard rather than putting chemicals on your dog. Go to any Wal-Mart or hardware store and you should find a variety of granules or sprays that will handle fleas and ticks in the yard.
If you prefer spot-on treatments, there are numerous products on the market to control fleas and ticks. Canine Advantix, Revolution, Bio Spot, Zodiac, Adams and several others are effective spot on treatments, which are a single application per month, applied to the skin between the shoulder blades. We have found in recent years that it is best to stay away from Frontline because it is less effective now than it was. Also, do not, under any circumstances, use Hartz or Sergeant's brands of spot-ons or sprays. They can cause sever reactions and large, painful sores.
I do have one word of warning about the spot-on treatments though. Keep in mind how they work. It is administered onto the surface of the skin, but it then gets absorbed and collects in the dog's lymphatic system to be secreted out through normal secretions. That is how it works across the dog's body and throughout the month that each treatment is designed to cover. However, I have to wonder how good it is for the dogs to be actually absorbing these chemicals its body. That is why, for my dogs, I prefer keeping the yard treated and using a spray for temporary control in the event that we do see fleas.
There are a number of sprays that are effective in controlling fleas and ticks. My personal favorites are Zodiac, Adams and Vet's Best. Again, stay away from Frontline. Vet's Best is an all natural spray, but it is not quite as effective, in my experience. Though these sprays are effective, they wear off quickly (most in about 7 days). Also, be aware that dogs cannot lick the spray while it is wet. Sprays are chemicals similar to spot-on treatments, so you must keep your dog from trying to lick it off until it dries.
If you have a strong infestation, it is best to spray the dog with a spray, allow it it sit for a few minutes to kill active insects and then bathe the dog. Then, you can use a spot-on until you can get the infestation in your yard under control.
Please note: for puppies, you should not use a spot-on until at least six months of age. Prior to that, you should not treat for fleas and ticks unless there is a need. In that event, spray a clean cloth with a flea and tick spray and wrap the puppy in it for about ten minutes. Then bathe the puppy. Repeat daily until the infestation is under control.
You can also use flea and tick shampoos. Some of them claim that they last a month, but my experience is that they only protect for about a week. Still, it is a good alternative to spot-on treatments when there is not an active infestation.
For information on flea and tick control click the following links
http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=2&articleid=591
http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=2&articleid=601
For information on Rocky Mountain Spotted Tick fever in dogs, click the link below
http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=2&articleid=472
For information on the types of ticks click the link below
http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=2&cat=1588&articleid=603
For information on Lyme Disease in humans click the link below
http://www.anapsid.org/lyme/matthewgoss/typeofticks.html
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