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.
***FOLLOW UP***
We had our appointment with a holistic vet and were told to use vitamin B every other day for flea prevention.
We used to not treat with preventative in the winter, but it seems as though the pests can still persist.
Nichole recently posted…Merrick Grain Free is Perfect for Your #BestDogEver + GIVEAWAY
Hi Nichole. Yes, I guess it depends on the weather and season.
Great info on fleas and ticks here. Even with inside cats, we treat them because we have a dog (who obviously goes outside).
Rachel recently posted…My Dirty Paws – An Art Project About Shelter and Rescue Animals
Another very good point! Thanks Rachel
I use preventative in the winter as our weather is mild and I still get bit by mosquitoes in the winter!
Great point, Mr. N!
Our mom was at a conference lately where she learned more about fleas and flea and tick prevention. It’s so important!
Lola The Rescued Cat recently posted…Forgotten Felines at Tabby’s Place – Adopt a Less Adoptable Pet Week
Heartworm can be avoided. I’m glad others are working to provide information on this important topic.
Thank 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
My pleasure Malaika. I hope it helps others.
I learnt a lot about heartworm at a vet talk at BlogPaws in Nashville – it’s not as common in Australia as the US.
Pawesome Cats recently posted…Exotic Shorthair Cat Breed Profile
It’s interesting to know how the issue is worse in different areas.
Ticks 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!
The Daily Pip recently posted…Huey Shines On #RememberMeThursday
I’m so glad to hear your husband is okay. Yes, very scary!
Great post and praying the season ends soon
it’s starting to become cool here in Ontario!
Such an important post. I also need to comment on the sketch at the beginning of your post – breathtaking! I just love it!
Maureen recently posted…An Open Letter To My Dogs: I Wish They Could Read
Thank you, Maureen. I appreciate your comment.
We 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.
Dash Kiitten Crew recently posted…Senior Sunday Slumbering Selfie
Yes, heartworm is very scary. Thank you for your kind words about my artwork.
I 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.
Beth | Daily Dog Tag recently posted…Engaging Tails: English Bulldogs Murph & Grace
Yes, we have come a long way in caring for our companions.
November 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.
Robin recently posted…Funny Cat Picture: My Feathers
You’re our neighboring State and we do share similar climates. One advantage to the cold, I suppose.
Heartworm 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.
Glad to hear, Kelsie. Heartworm is a horrific thing for animals to suffer.
Because of our warm climate, we have fleas almost year-round. We get a topical preventative medication every month.
Sweet Purrfections recently posted…Sunday Selfie
I guess that is one advantage to Ontario winters!
We’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
Tonya Wilhelm recently posted…Friday’s Favorite Five: Fall Dog Gear
Thank you for your encouraging words.
It’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
Fleas are harmful to our companions AND a huge headache to get rid of.
We worry about fleas year-round, though they definitely are more active when it’s very hot out!
Lindsay Pevny recently posted…How To Teach Your Dog To Bow Or Curtsy
No time is a good time for this type of visitor!
I have not used preventative in the winter months, although I have thought about it.
Jenna Hughson recently posted…Flashback To Autumn Beauty