Dealing with Fleas & Ticks
Last issue we discussed how to prevent flea and tick infestation
on your cat or dog. Sometimes, however, even the best of us can
be a bit too late. So what do you do for your pet if he has become
exposed to these pesky pests?
Let’s start with the flea. If you see your pet scratching,
check the rump, genitals and/or head area for “flea dirt”,
a pepper-like substance that will turn red on a paper towel. Sometimes
you can even see the fleas hopping around if the infestation is
bad enough. The first thing you need to do is bathe your pet in
a flea shampoo. There are a number of different options out there
and you need to choose wisely. First decide if you want a traditional
shampoo with chemicals or an herbal one. Secondly, be sure the shampoo
is appropriate for your pet (cat or dog / kitten or puppy). For
years, it was customary to treat your pet with a chemical based
shampoo. These are typically made with pryethrins. Pyrethrins are
insecticides which have a considerable effect and are relatively
safe. They are usually combined with products that can reduce the
flea’s chances of resistance and can also interfere with egg
development. Newer to the market are herbal flea shampoos. The most
common herbs used are melaleuca (also known as tee-tree oil), pennyroyal,
garlic and citris fruit derivatives. These herbal ingredients usually
act as a repellant to the flea, or affect it’s nervous system
(similar to an insecticide.) Both types of shampoos can be effective.
Follow the directions carefully for application.
You may want to follow the flea shampoo with a soothing bath, such
as oatmeal. This will help the red, itchy skin heal and will feel
great for your pet. You may choose to have this done by your vet
or a pet groomer. Please note that if you have multiple pets, they
should all be treated at the same time.
If your pet has been in any wooded or grassy areas, you will need
to check him for ticks. These can be removed with tweezers, pulling
straight out (do not twist). You can dispose of the tick in a jar
of alcohol. If you find a lot of ticks, you may choose to bathe
your pet in a flea/tick shampoo. This can be an effective option.
Often times the ticks will fall off on their own from the shampoo.
Be sure to follow the directions carefully.
In addition to treating your pet, you need to treat your environment.
This is important, as you do not want your pet to become re-infested
after all of your hard work! You will need to clean your house,
cars and pet’s bedding. You can purchase foggers and sprays
from a pet supply store or catalog, or your vet, to treat these
areas. Be sure to follow all directions, and use with care in a
well ventilated space. I recommend discarding your vacuum bag after
this process, as well.
The best thing you can do for your pet is to prevent fleas and
ticks from attaching themselves to him. If you have had to de-flea/tick
your pet as described above, consider following this process with
one of the preventative applications discussed in the last issue.
This way, you and your pet can enjoy a pest-free summer!!
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