Free Ticks and Fleas check
We decided to launch our “Free Ticks and Fleas check” campaign in May because this month is the start of warm weather, plenty of sunshine, walks in parks and the season for ticks and fleas. Experts believe climate change and the subsequent increased temperatures across the continent is leading to increased risk of disease (Green, 2015).
Fleas are a major cause of skin disease:
Diseases caused or mediated by flea bites include flea bite dermatitis and flea allergy dermatitis
Domestic cats act as a reservoir for the zoonotic pathogen Bartonella henselae, which is transmitted by fleas
Fleas also act as the intermediate host for the tapeworm Dipylidium caninum
Fleas are well adapted to indoor environments – carpeted floors and central heating allow flea development to occur all year round
(Bayer, 2016)
The 2015 PDSA annual Pet Animal Wellbeing Report concluded 22% of dogs and 17% of cats in the UK had never been treated for fleas.
Ticks can carry various diseases including Lyme and babesiosis with symptoms including fever, lameness, swollen and painful joints, swollen lymph nodes etc. (Blue Cross, 2016).
Possible causes of failure of ectoparasitic treatment regimes include:
Buying ineffective products
Not treating all life stages
Not applying the product correctly or following post-application instructions
Not applying the product at the recommended treatment interval
(Dryden et al, 2013)
Potential consequences of non-treatment of ectoparasite infections:
Flea bite hypersensitivity
Transfer of tapeworm
Haemorrhagic or iron deficiency anaemia in juvenile animals
Transfer of infectious anaemia
Transfer of tick-borne diseases, such as babesiosis, ehrlichiosis and borreliosis
Infestation of environment and other animals
Adverse human health effects
(Dryden et al, 2013)
We offer a variety of quality products in the form of spot on treatments, tablets, collars and sprays. We also have a product that kills 99% of ticks affecting dogs in the UK (Ixodes ricinus, Ixodes hexagonus, Dermacentor reticulatus and Rhipicephalus sanguineus) (Zoetis, 2016).
For more information visit our practice and speak to our friendly vet.
References
Bayer (2016). Advocate UK advertising campaign.
Blue Cross (2016). Dogs and ticks, available at https://www.bluecross.org.uk/pet-advice/dogs-and-ticks
Dryden M W et al (2013). Efficacy of selamectin, spinosad, and spinosad/milbemycin oxime against the KS1 Ctenocephalides felis flea strain infesting dogs, Parasit Vectors 6:80.
Green E (2015). Group warns of link between animal disease and climate change, Vet Times, available at www.vettimes.co.uk/news/group-warns-of-link-between-animal-disease-and-climate-change
Zoetis (2016). Simparica UK advertising campaign.
