
About Fleas
Fleas can be found in most places and can cause diseases like flea allergy dermatitis (FAD). FAD can cause severe allergic reactions like itching and inflammation. The itching an inflammation may cause extreme chewing and scratching that result in the pet damaging their skin and losing hair. Fleas can also transit parasites like tapeworms to humans.
About Ticks
These arachnids are extremely irritating and can transmit a variety of diseases. Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever and anaplasmosis are among the diseases that ticks can carry; these diseases are serious and can even be fatal for both human and animals. There are over 80 different species of ticks in the United States, including some that are able to survive in extreme temperatures.
Preventing Flea and Tick Infestations
- Pets should be combed frequently with a flea comb; these combs can remove both fleas and their feces from the pet's fur.
- Homes should be vacuumed regularly and the bag or canister from the vacuum cleaner should be discarded or emptied after each use.
- The home's lawn should be mowed regularly.
- Cats should be kept inside.
- The pet's old bedding should be discarded.
- Both the home and yard should be treated with commercially available treatments which can effectively kill fleas and ticks.