Flea & Tick Facts

SUMMER PET TIPS

 

Mosquito, Fly, Flea & Tick Season is upon us.  Are you ready to handle these seasonal concerns?

 

FLEA FACTS:

*Only one flea-the cat flea- accounts for almost all the fleas found on cats and dogs in the U.S.

*Fleas cause more than half of all skin conditions. 

*Even a single flea bite to a hypersensitive animal or person may cause intense itching and irritation.

*Fleas that have fed on rodents may transmit diseases, including plaque.  Other health problems include flea allergy dermatitis, anemia, rickettsiosis, tapeworms and cat scratch disease. 

*Fleas are excellent jumpers- leaping vertically 7 inches and horizontally 13 inches.

*Adult fleas survive by a blood meal & 1 female flea can lay 40-50 eggs/day. 

*Fleas can molt into adults in 21 days. 

*The female flea consumes 15 times her own body weight in blood daily.

*While adult fleas all suck blood from a cat or dog or other mammal, their larvae live and feed on organic debris in the host's environment.  The most likely place to find flea larvae is in infested pet bedding.

*Fleas are deep within carpet fibers, cracks between hardwood floors, on concrete floors in damp basements.

*Fleas are found in organic debris outside in grass, branches, leaves or soil and shaded and moist areas.

*Fleas can survive a winter if temperatures are not cold enough, or they find a warm barn, garage or house to live in or on a pet for the winter.

*Use the 3 Step method to get rid of fleas-  

1.  Control Pet's Outside Environment.

2.  Control Pet's Inside Environment.

3.  Address the Fleas on the Pet.

 

TICK FACTS:

 *Ticks are bloodsucking external parasites that feed on humans, wild and domestic mammals, livestock, birds, reptiles and other animals.

*Ticks are capable of transmitting diseases like Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Ehrlichosis, Babesiosis, & Anaplasmosis.

*Ticks are arachnids like spiders, chiggers and mites.  They have 8 legs and 2 body segments.

*Ticks are very good climbers.  They are found in grassy or forested areas from ground level to three feet up.

*Ticks require habitat with a very high humidity (greater than 80%).

 

Dr. Frick carries many insecticides that are safe for your animals and the premises they are in, to protect your pets against flies, fleas, ticks & mosquitos.  This includes area sprays with IGR, sprays for yards and barns, topicals for small animals, pour-ons, ear tags, & sprays for livestock.  Every farm and house situation is different, Dr. Frick will help you set up the best plan for your animals and the environment.

 

June is Cancer from the Sun Month.  Pets get skin cancer too!  Frick Vet Services carries products to help light colored dogs, cats and horses from overexposure to the harmful effects of the sun & defend against skin cancer.

 

Dr. Frick carries a wide variety of calming remedies to help the animals that are sensitive to thunderstorms & fireworks season.  Ask Dr. Frick which may be the best option for your pet.

 

Have a safe summer and remember prevention is the key to a healthy pet.   

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Monday
8:00 am 5:30 pm
Tuesday
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Wednesday
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Thursday
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Friday
8:00 am 5:30 pm
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