Fleas are small brown or black wingless insects that feed on the blood of dogs and cats and in some cases even humans. These insects cause considerable irritation and distress to pets. Severe infestations may lead to anemia from blood loss. It is important to note that a flea can transmit tapeworms if ingested by a dog or cat. The best place to look for fleas on your pet is the hindquarters, base of the tail, abdomen, and groin. If no fleas are found, tiny black granules that resemble pepper may be observed. This material is flea feces and consists primarily of blood. To distinguish this material from dirt, place it on a piece of white paper or towel and add water. If the material turns a rust color, fleas and eggs are nearby.
Ticks are wingless arthropods that can live for 4 or more years. They feed primarily in the spring and fall but can be found attached to you or your pet any time of the year. If they feed for very long they often cause a red, raised and often painful area on the skin. Some diseases such as Lyme disease are transmitted only after the tick feeds for 24-48 hours. Other diseases like Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Erlichiosis, Anaplasmosis and Babesia may be transmitted much faster.
Treatment of the environment is an important step in controlling a flea infestation. We recommend vacuuming the house several times and keeping lawns mowed can reduce tick and flea exposure. In order to break a flea infestation it is highly recommended that all pets in the home be treated with a flea prevention for a minimum of 3 consecutive months.
Product Options
Many products exist that are highly effective and safe for eliminating fleas and ticks on cats and dogs. The following is a list of products sold at and recommended by Timberview Veterinary Hospital:
Products for Dogs:
Chewable
- Credelio kills fleas and ticks and is effective for 30 days
Topical
- Canine Advantix II repels and kills ticks, fleas and mosquitoes for one month
- Revolution kills adult fleas and various other parasites for one month
Collar
- Seresto Collar kills adult fleas, flea larvae and ticks for 8 months
Products for Cats:
Chewable
- Credelio kills fleas and ticks and is effective for 30 days
Topical
- Advantage kills adult fleas, stops eggs and larvae from developing for one month
- Bravecto Plus kills adult fleas and ticks and various other parasites for 12 weeks
- Revolution kills adult fleas and various other parasites for one month
Collar
- Seresto kills adult fleas, flea larvae and ticks for up to 8 months