Fleas and Ticks

Fleas: An Introduction
Fleas thrive in warm, humid environments. Fortunately due to Chicago winters, fleas are primarily a seasonal problem. A basic understanding of this parasite will help you better protect your animal. If you suspect your pet has fleas, you should discuss treatment with your veterinarian.

 

It can take anywhere from 18 days to 20 months for a flea to complete an entire life cycle (from egg to adult). Only about 10% of this time is actually spent on your pet.

The adult female flea lays her eggs on an animal. Because they are not attached, these eggs fall into rugs, furniture, the animal's bedding, etc. Depending on warmth, moisture, and other environmental factors, the eggs will hatch in nine days to seven months.

 

The eggs hatch into the eyeless, legless larvae. These larvae attach themselves to your animal, where they stay and feed for approximately one to two weeks. They then fall off, form a cocoon, and lay dormant for several weeks (or even several months). Once the environmental factors are correct, the adult flea emerges to feed and lay eggs.

 

Does My Animal Have Fleas?
If you notice your animal scratching excessively, especially in a few isolated areas, inspect your pet closely. Fleas can be found on any part of your animal's body. However, they can be seen mostly around the base of the tail, on the belly, behind the ears, and between the toes. Look closely! They are only about 1/32 of an inch. Because of their small size, you will most probably encounter “flea dirt” rather than the fleas themselves. Flea dirt is the dark, gritty particles of specks found on your animal, and is a combination of dried blood and flea feces.

 

What To Do
There are several products that are available to treat flea infestation. Your veterinarian can recommend an appropriate flea control plan for your pet based on your needs, your pet's needs, and the severity of the flea problem.

Because the fleas spend so little time on your animal, you must control them in your home as well. Vacuum thoroughly two to three times a week if you suspect fleas. This will remove any new eggs or larvae from your home. While vacuuming, drop a flea collar into the vacuum bag to kill these eggs and larvae, and remember to throw out the vacuum bag immediately. Your veterinarian can advise you on proper treatment of your house or yard. If you chose to use over the counter products - read the instructions and follow carefully. Only use products labeled safe for cats on your cat.

 

 

Ticks are commonly found in wooded areas, brush, shrubs, and wild undergrowth. Ticks can cause a variety of health problems, including Lyme's disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever and tick paralysis. Most tick related diseases have one constant: fever. If your animal experiences a fever, and has been known to be exposed to ticks, consult your veterinarian immediately.

 

The life cycle of the tick is more complex than that of the flea. An adult tick can lay anywhere from 1,000 to 3,000 eggs at a time. In 2 - 7 weeks, these eggs hatch into larvae. These larvae (sometimes called “seed ticks”) find a host on which to feed. They gorge for 3 - 12 days, and eventually fall to the ground to molt (for up to several weeks). The nymph then emerges to look for a host. Upon finding a host, the nymph gorges for 3 - 10 days, then falls off to molt once again. This final molting produces the adult tick, which will now feed, seek a mate, and lay eggs.

 

Tick season runs from early spring to midsummer. They will usually attach themselves to your animal in areas of the body with little or no hair such as the head, neck, ears, and feet. However, it can be found on any part of your animal.

 

When a tick attaches itself, it first uses its scissor-like mouth parts to make an incision in the skin. It then inserts a spiny "tongue" into this incision and begins to feed on the blood. Some types of ticks will even secrete a substance which acts as a type of cement to aid in attachment.

 

To remove a tick from your animal:

 

1. Gently grasp the tick as close to the animal's skin as possible. Do this by using blunt tweezers.
2. Pull upward with slow, steady pressure. Do not twist, jerk, or yank the tick. This may cause the mouth parts to break off and remain imbedded in the animal which may cause further irritation and can lead to infection.
3. During this whole procedure, avoid squeezing or puncturing the tick. Doing this may allow toxins or bacteria to be released into the animal.
4. After removing the tick, crush it while avoiding contact with tick fluids.

5. Finally, dab the bite wound with alcohol.

 

The best prevention is avoidance. Avoid wooded or very grassy areas during tick season. Inspect your animal daily. If you find ticks on your pet, don't forget to check yourself for ticks too! Always remember that the best course of action is to consult your veterinarian to discuss an appropriate prevention.