Don't Be Fooled by the Change in Season – Fleas & Ticks Are Still About!

As the seasons shift and temperatures fluctuate, many pet owners breathe a sigh of relief, thinking that as we enter Autumn, the threat of fleas and ticks has passed. However, this common misconception could leave your beloved furry friends vulnerable to these persistent parasites. The truth is, fleas and ticks are hardy creatures that can survive and thrive in various conditions, making year-round vigilance essential for pet owners.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the world of fleas and ticks, learning how to identify, prevent, and treat these pesky invaders. Whether you're a seasoned pet owner or new to the joys of animal companionship, this information will help you keep your cats and dogs happy, healthy, and parasite-free.

What is a Flea & How to Spot Them

Fleas are small, wingless insects that feed on the blood of animals and humans. These tiny terrors measure between 1-3 millimetres in length, making them difficult to spot with the naked eye. Despite their size, fleas can cause significant discomfort and health issues for our pets.

To identify fleas on your pet, look out for these tell-tale signs:

1. Excessive scratching, biting, or licking, especially around the tail, hindquarters, and belly
2. Small, dark specks in your pet's fur (flea dirt, which is actually flea faeces)
3. Red, irritated skin or hair loss in affected areas
4. Small, fast-moving insects when you part your pet's fur

If you suspect your pet has fleas, try the "white towel test". Place your pet on a white towel and gently comb through their fur. If you see small, dark specks falling onto the towel that turn reddish-brown when wet, you're likely dealing with flea dirt – a sure sign of an infestation.

What is a Tick & How to Spot Them

Ticks are arachnids that, like fleas, feed on the blood of animals and humans. Unlike fleas, ticks attach themselves to their host and can remain there for several days if left undisturbed. These parasites come in various sizes, from as small as a pinhead to as large as a small grape when fully engorged.

To spot ticks on your pet, follow these steps:

1. Run your hands over your pet's body, feeling for any unusual bumps or lumps. 
2. Part your pet's fur and look for small, green or dark brown/black round objects attached to the skin. You might mistake a tick for a skin tag or a lump, but if you look closely, you will see it has 8 legs just behind its head.
3. Pay special attention to areas like the head, neck, ears, and also between their paws.
4. Check for any areas where your pet seems particularly sensitive or irritated.

Ticks can be more challenging to identify than fleas, as they often blend in with your pet's skin or hide in hard-to-reach areas. Regular, thorough checks are crucial for early detection and removal.

How to Check Your Pet for Fleas & Ticks

Regular checks are crucial for early detection and prevention of flea and tick infestations. Here's a step-by-step guide to examining your pet:

1. Start with a visual inspection, looking for any signs of irritation or unusual behaviour
2. Use a fine-toothed flea comb to go through your pet's fur, paying close attention to the base of the tail, neck, and belly
3. Check between paws, inside ears, and around the face and neck for ticks
4. Look for any signs of flea dirt or actual fleas on your pet's skin
5. Feel for any unusual bumps or swollen areas that could indicate an attached tick

Make this check a regular part of your pet care routine, ideally performing it after dog walks or at least once a week or more frequently if your pet spends a lot of time outdoors.

What Are the Different Types of Flea & Tick Treatments Available, Including Natural Alternatives

There's a wide range of flea and tick treatments available, each with its own benefits and considerations. You can stop fleas and ticks from biting your pet by using treatments that either kill or repel them if they attach themselves. 

Be prepared to treat all pets in the home who have fur. There are many types of fleas including cat, dog, and rabbit fleas, and many can be passed between species.

 Here are some of the most common options:

1. Topical treatments (spot-on): Applied directly to your pet's skin, these treatments typically last for a month.
2. Oral medications: These come in tablet or chewable form and can provide protection for up to three months.
3. Flea and tick collars: These release active ingredients over time, offering long-lasting protection.
4. Sprays and powders: These can be applied directly to your pet's coat but may need more frequent application.
5. Shampoos: While effective for killing existing fleas, they don't provide long-term protection.
6. Natural alternatives - for those looking to prevent fleas and ticks without the use of insecticides and chemicals:
   • Billy No Mates  is  a totally safe and natural 'easy-to-use' herb mix  with no nasty chemicals. Just blend the aromatic combination of mint, seaweed, fenugreek, neem leaves and lemon balm into your dog or cat's food."
   • Verm-X Flea & Tick Powder  "Made from 100% natural active ingredients, it has been developed using a concentrated formula that naturally repels fleas and ticks.  Adding a small amount to your dog’s daily feed will assist in building their natural defences against unwanted visitors."
   • Apple cider vinegar: Can be added to your pet's water or used as a rinse to repel fleas
   • Nematodes: Microscopic worms that can be applied to your garden to control flea populations

When travelling abroad, you might come across ticks that transmit diseases we don’t find in the UK. If you’re planning to travel with your pet, it’s a good idea to check with your vet for advice first.

Be careful! Never use flea or tick medicine for dogs on cats or vice versa. Some dog tick treatments contain chemicals that are toxic to cats and can even be fatal to them.

What to do if You Find a Tick

If you find a tick on your pet, remain calm and act quickly. Use fine-tipped tweezers or a tick removal tool to grasp the tick as close to the skin's surface as possible and pull upward with steady pressure. Don't twist or jerk the tick, as this can cause parts to break off and remain in the skin. After removal, clean the bite area  or soap and water and your hands with rubbing alcohol . Don't use petroleum jelly, nail polish, or heat to remove the tick, as these methods can cause the tick to release more saliva, increasing infection risk. Avoid crushing the tick with your fingers. Instead, dispose of it by putting it in alcohol, sealing it in a bag, or flushing it. Monitor the bite area for signs of infection or illness in your pet, and consult a veterinarian if you have concerns.

If you have never removed a tick before or are unsure of how to do it, consult your vet as many vet practices will be happy to advise or remove for you.

 

Places to Avoid Fleas & Ticks

While it's impossible to completely avoid areas where fleas and ticks may lurk, being aware of high-risk environments can help you take extra precautions. Some places to be particularly vigilant include:

1. Tall grass and wooded areas
2. Parks and communal green spaces
3. Areas with a high concentration of wildlife
4. Moorlands
5. Warm, humid environments (ideal for flea breeding)

When visiting these areas, consider using preventative treatments on your pets and check them thoroughly upon returning home.

How to Avoid Fleas & Ticks as a Human!

While our focus is often on protecting our pets, it's equally important to safeguard ourselves against fleas and ticks. Here are some tips to keep these parasites at bay:

1. Wear long sleeves and trousers when walking in high-risk areas
2. Use insect repellents
3. Stick to clear paths and avoid walking through tall grass or dense vegetation
4. Check yourself thoroughly after spending time outdoors, especially in wooded areas
5. Shower and change clothes promptly after outdoor activities
6. Keep your lawn mowed and remove leaf litter to reduce tick habitats around your home
7. Consider treating your garden with pet-safe, environmentally friendly insecticides

Remember, preventing flea and tick infestations in your pets also reduces your risk of exposure, so maintaining your pet's preventative treatments is beneficial for the whole family!

Fleas and ticks pose a year-round threat to our beloved pets, but with regular checks, and appropriate preventative measures, we can keep our furry friends safe and comfortable. 

Remember, prevention is always better than cure. Establish a routine of regular checks, maintain a clean living environment, and consult with your veterinarian to determine the best preventative treatments for your pets. By taking these steps, you'll not only protect your cats and dogs from the discomfort and health risks associated with fleas and ticks but also safeguard your home and family from these persistent pests.

Stay Safe!

 

Stay informed, stay vigilant, and enjoy worry-free adventures with your four-legged companions, knowing you're doing everything you can to keep them happy, healthy, and parasite-free.