When fleas feed, they inject saliva into the skin. Often, these salivary proteins cause animals to end up with an allergic reaction. The most common skin disease is ‘flea allergy dermatitis’: cats and dogs bite and scratch and lose their hair. It can take only a few fleas for this allergy to become a problem.
Fleas are blood-sucking insects. Pets, especially puppies, can become anemic and possibly die if heavily infested. Fleas also commonly transmit tapeworms to our pets, at least one species.
Ticks transmit a dozen or more diseases than ticks: Lyme disease (humans are also susceptible, and it is not pleasant. I have seen what this disease is capable of), Rocky Mountain spotted fever, tularemia, ehrlichiosis, and more.
My husband and I applied to adopt a dog that was undergoing treatment for heartworm. The dog went to another family. In doing my research, however, I learned about dogs that have heartworm. If diagnosed in time, heartworm may be treated successfully. This disease is not something you would want your companion to endure.
Many of these diseases can kill pets. They are entirely preventable with proper treatment which is easy to administer.
Please contact your veterinarian to schedule treatment.
Sadie says
September 23, 2016 at 5:59 pm***FOLLOW UP***
We had our appointment with a holistic vet and were told to use vitamin B every other day for flea prevention.
Nichole says
September 23, 2016 at 5:59 pmWe used to not treat with preventative in the winter, but it seems as though the pests can still persist.
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Sadie says
September 28, 2016 at 12:35 pmHi Nichole. Yes, I guess it depends on the weather and season.
Rachel says
September 23, 2016 at 6:16 pmGreat info on fleas and ticks here. Even with inside cats, we treat them because we have a dog (who obviously goes outside).
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Sadie says
September 28, 2016 at 12:33 pmAnother very good point! Thanks Rachel
Tenacious Little Terrier says
September 23, 2016 at 7:21 pmI use preventative in the winter as our weather is mild and I still get bit by mosquitoes in the winter!
Sadie says
September 28, 2016 at 12:33 pmGreat point, Mr. N!
Lola The Rescued Cat says
September 23, 2016 at 7:35 pmOur mom was at a conference lately where she learned more about fleas and flea and tick prevention. It’s so important!
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Sadie says
September 28, 2016 at 12:32 pmHeartworm can be avoided. I’m glad others are working to provide information on this important topic.
Malaika Fernandes says
September 24, 2016 at 1:41 amThank you for sharing informative post on fleas. They really are pests lead to worms and skin allergies
Malaika Fernandes recently posted…Yelp!! My Dog Eats His Poop
Sadie says
September 28, 2016 at 12:31 pmMy pleasure Malaika. I hope it helps others.
Pawesome Cats says
September 24, 2016 at 2:03 amI learnt a lot about heartworm at a vet talk at BlogPaws in Nashville – it’s not as common in Australia as the US.
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Sadie says
September 28, 2016 at 12:31 pmIt’s interesting to know how the issue is worse in different areas.
The Daily Pip says
September 24, 2016 at 10:13 amTicks are so scary for people and dogs! We have been fortunate not to have any ticks with our dogs, but my husband had one a few years ago and contracted Lyme. He responded well to treatment and is fine now, but so frightening!
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Sadie says
September 28, 2016 at 12:29 pmI’m so glad to hear your husband is okay. Yes, very scary!
Ruth Epstein says
September 24, 2016 at 2:48 pmGreat post and praying the season ends soon
Sadie says
September 28, 2016 at 12:29 pmit’s starting to become cool here in Ontario!
Maureen says
September 24, 2016 at 2:56 pmSuch an important post. I also need to comment on the sketch at the beginning of your post – breathtaking! I just love it!
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Sadie says
September 28, 2016 at 12:28 pmThank you, Maureen. I appreciate your comment.
Dash Kiitten Crew says
September 25, 2016 at 3:57 pmWe did not realise until we met so many dog people, how serious an issue heartworm can be and how prone some dogs are to this dangerous pest.
We appreciate the gorgeous image at the start too. Well done.
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Sadie says
September 28, 2016 at 12:27 pmYes, heartworm is very scary. Thank you for your kind words about my artwork.
Beth | Daily Dog Tag says
September 25, 2016 at 6:59 pmI think we are so lucky to live in a time when we can protect our pets from fleas, ticks, and heartworm. My poor little allergic dog Nelly really suffers if she is bitten by a flea. We do our best to keep them protected. I switched to a vet prescribed flea collar two years ago and we’ve had really good results. If we have a cold winter, I take the collars off, but if it unseasonably warm, I keep it on just to be safe. Our indoor cat is on a topical flea preventative.
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Sadie says
September 28, 2016 at 10:15 amYes, we have come a long way in caring for our companions.
Robin says
September 25, 2016 at 8:44 pmNovember tends to be the last month that flea and tick prevention is needed here in Michigan too. Once the snow starts to fall, all of the outdoor pests disappear until spring. It is such a good idea to prevent flea and heartworm infestations with outdoor pets. They are very difficult to get rid of once they are there.
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Sadie says
September 28, 2016 at 10:14 amYou’re our neighboring State and we do share similar climates. One advantage to the cold, I suppose.
Kelsie - It's Dog or Nothing says
September 25, 2016 at 9:34 pmHeartworm is something I’m not willing to mess around with. I know some vets say you can skip preventative certain times of the year, but I’ve seen how terrible it is for a dog to suffer from heartworm disease. It’s so easy to prevent and I’d hate to see them miserable because of me.
Sadie says
September 28, 2016 at 10:12 amGlad to hear, Kelsie. Heartworm is a horrific thing for animals to suffer.
Sweet Purrfections says
September 25, 2016 at 10:02 pmBecause of our warm climate, we have fleas almost year-round. We get a topical preventative medication every month.
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Sadie says
September 28, 2016 at 10:11 amI guess that is one advantage to Ontario winters!
Tonya Wilhelm says
September 25, 2016 at 10:04 pmWe’ve been very successful with the help of our holistic vet over the past 3 years. No harsh chemicals, flea and tick free. Good luck
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Sadie says
September 28, 2016 at 10:10 amThank you for your encouraging words.
Cathy Armato says
September 26, 2016 at 10:30 amIt’s usually recommended to treat for both heartworm and fleas all year round in the US. Fkeas can easily live indoors. If you have a flea infestation Winter will not cure it.
Love & biscuits,
Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them
Cathy Armato recently posted…100 Places To See With Your Dog: Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Sadie says
September 28, 2016 at 10:10 amFleas are harmful to our companions AND a huge headache to get rid of.
Lindsay Pevny says
September 27, 2016 at 2:10 amWe worry about fleas year-round, though they definitely are more active when it’s very hot out!
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Sadie says
September 28, 2016 at 10:09 amNo time is a good time for this type of visitor!
Jenna Hughson says
September 28, 2016 at 10:54 amI have not used preventative in the winter months, although I have thought about it.
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