When it comes to fleas and ticks, we can all agree on one thing. They creep us out! In the summertime we start to see them more often because we tend to spend more time outside. Fleas and ticks can lead to many serious diseases, skin infections, and even life-threatening conditions. It is important that we keep these pests at bay and keep our pets safe!
Here are a couple of myths we hear every day about fleas and ticks:
My cat lives inside; she can’t get fleas or ticks.
Fleas can jump approximately two feet high, making it easy enough for them to reach your pet. They can also catch rides on HUMANS! They prefer warmer weather and your home can be a better alternative to the outside environment. They use whatever transport they can find.
Ticks also climb onto people, but they will migrate off of a human in order to find a more hospitable host (i.e., your dog or cat). They are also capable of travelling longer distances than we realize.
We aren’t getting bitten by fleas, so there aren’t any in the house.
A vast majority of fleas that are present on our pets are “cat fleas,” which is a species of flea. The cat flea itself is “species specific” meaning that they have a particular diet that they stick to, unless the circumstances will not allow it. Cat fleas usually prey on cats, dogs, and rabbits. When a human is the one being bitten, that means that it is the only food option. It’s either that or starve to death, for the flea. This usually happens when the flea population in a home is extremely large and the animal has no more room.
It’s wintertime, so they are dead.
Despite popular opinion (even mine!), it does not get cold enough in North Carolina to kill off fleas and ticks. It does, however, get cold enough for them to migrate. This is usually when we see flea infestations or tick outbreaks. They will hitch a ride on us or our dogs and set up camp inside our homes.
This brings us to a great point—preventatives should be given year-round! We hear it all the time that pet owners only give flea and tick preventative medications during the summer months. This is risky and could lead to an infestation for your house.
I don’t see them, so they are not there.
When it comes to fleas, this is partially accurate. You will not see them because they are very small, but that does not mean that they are not present. The adult fleas only account for about 20% of the existing population. That means that the eggs and baby fleas (larvae) make up the remaining 80%. Both of these are so small, they can hide in the cracks of hardwood flooring and carpet. This is what makes them so persistent and hard to get rid of.
Ticks are more visible to the naked eye, but can be missed easily, especially in our darker coated pets. Making sure that you give plenty of pets and belly scratches can help you keep track of anything that could be a tick.
Ticks have to be attached for more than 24 hours before they will transmit diseases.
Once it starts to suck the blood of your pet, it will begin to transmit any diseases it may have. It does not take long at all! Ticks carry all sorts of diseases, including Lyme Disease, Ehrlichia, and Anaplasmosis.
So, what signs do you need to be watching for?
FLEAS: Dogs and cats show very similar signs of flea presence.
Excessive scratching and chewing, especially around the base of the tail for cats
Presence of black dirt, typically called “flea dirt,” it is the poop left behind
Presence of white oval grains (flea eggs)
Itchy skin or scabs
Tapeworms
In severe cases, pale gums and skin
If you notice these signs, contact your veterinarian. They will be able to guide you through a treatment plan and direct you in how to implement it. Bathing is usually a good first step before being able to visit your veterinarian—we direct our pet owners to give baths in Dawn dish soap! It is gentle enough for your pet’s skin and tough on those fleas, but it is only a temporary fix. Medications and a thorough cleaning and fumigation of your house will be the most effective way to completely get rid of a flea infestation.
TICKS: The presence of a tick is less cryptic than with fleas. It is usually visible to the naked eye and can be seen getting bigger. Before they bite, ticks are around the size of a pencil eraser, but can become much bigger the longer they are feeding. It should become good practice for you to run your hands all over your pet and in most all crevices—armpits, groin, behind the ears, lips, and in between the toes are all forgotten spots that ticks love! Make sure to do these routine checks after being outdoors for long periods of time as well as after hiking or adventures at the park or lake.
Ticks are usually present in much smaller numbers and can be removed to solve the problem. We all know the tricks for removing a tick from when we were younger (alcohol, lighters, vinegar), but the safest and most effective method would be to have your veterinary staff perform it. Especially do not attempt this when alone, the buddy system is much safer in this scenario!
You may think that everything you know is a lie, but here is how to help stop the fleas and ticks in their tracks.
PREVENTATIVE MEDICATION! We talk about these medications at almost every visit for our puppies, kittens, and even our adult friends! Dogs and cats should be on flea and tick preventatives all year long and keep up to date with them. There are many different kinds of administration of these medications. Dogs have the options of a collar, a topical medication, or a pill. Cats, on the other hand, only have the options of topical treatment or a collar. If all cats would take a pill wrapped in cheese they might have that option, too. These products have all been clinically tested to make sure they are 1) safe for your pet, and 2) effective at preventing fleas and ticks. Your local vet will be able to make an individualized recommendation as to which preventative your cat or dog should be taking.
Melissa is a surgery technician at Lake Pine Animal Hospital. Melissa graduated with an animal science degree in 2018 B.S., B.A., M.S. She is currently making arrangements to attend vet school.
