Got Fleas? How to Spot and Care For Fleas on Your Dog
Your poor pooch is scratching himself all over. Plus, you
know he's uncomfortable because he's whimpering and
gnawing too. Chances are, he's got fleas. These little sixlegged
parasites will wreak havoc and mayhem for you and
your pet if you don't learn how to take care of the problem
now. Most fleas are known in the medical world as Ctenocephalides
Felis, which is a species of cat flea that has really enjoys dog
meat. It's ironic, but true. These little buggers have four
stages to their life-egg-larva-pupa-adult-and it's your
job to kill them all off or you're going to have big problems
with these tiny insects. Fleas thrive in warm, humid and low altitude areas. Female
fleas are the one's that need your puppy or dog's blood in
order to lay her eggs, and their most likely the ones that are
aggravating your pooch the most. However, male fleas also
do their fair share of bloodletting on your doggie's skin. If
you live in a warmer climate (southern US states or Hawaii),
you should treat your dog for fleas year-round. There are many ways to check to see if you puppy or dog
has fleas. As mentioned above, they may scratch, bite or
whimper, but many dogs won't react at all. It simply
depends upon their skin type and if they have an allergic
reaction to the flea's salvia residue, and not the actual bite. If your dog is allergic to fleas and/or their bites, you'll know it. It's called Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD), and the dog may
develop a rash or even lose hair. Fleas also spread
tapeworms and have been known in extreme, but not rare,
cases to cause your dog (or especially puppies) anemia.
To check for fleas yourself, simply brush up your puppy or
dog's coat and look for the insects hopping around. If you
can't see them for yourself, try using a magnifying glass
under good light. Keep in mind that fleas don't necessarily
live on your dog. So, you may have to check for small flea
feces or eggs, which are brown and/or red. If you notice fleas, there are some things that you must do.
You may want to talk or visit with your vet before starting
your own flea-battling regimen. First, let's take care of the
puppy or dog. Use gentle flea and tick shampoo. Wash and
soak thoroughly. The shampoo will rid your dog's skin of
any eggs, larvae or flea feces. When dry, you may want to
use some flea powder on your dog. But first, test a spot to
make sure that it doesn't burn or irritate your dog's skin.
Second, wash the puppy or dog's sleeping area (which you
should do once a week anyway). Use a pyrethrin-based
product or an Insect Growth Regulator (IGR) or Insect
Developmental Inhibitor (IDI) on his sleeping area.
Try using a monthly dosage product proven to help battle
against fleas. If your dog still has discomfort, use a
dermatological mist and/or try an antihistamine tablet. Keep
your dog from running all over the house. He should
remain somewhat quarantined as to not roll around on or
become infected with any more fleas. Finally, it's time to take care of the environment that the fleas thrive in, your home. First, experts say that vacuuming the infected area will help substantially. Be sure to empty and
change the vacuum bag each time. Then, you can use an IGR
or IDI product throughout your home. Better yet, use a
canned fogger in your home and spray in all the hard-toreach
areas. Then, vacuum thoroughly again. You can also
treat the grass in your yard against fleas. It's a full-fledged
battle against an almost invisible enemy. You can win it, and
you must for you and your dog's sanity. About the Author:
Tina Spriggs is an expert dog lover whose lifelong interest in canines provides the motivation for her site. To learn more about dogs or to find gifts and toys for them visit her site at Dog Gifts and Toys for Dog Lovers.
Copyright 2005. All rights reserved.
Related News
Outrageous hotel perks for pets - MSNBC
Outrageous hotel perks for petsMSNBC -12 hours ago“Like their owners, pets should have a chance to get away from their normal routine,” said the hotel’s chef concierge, James Little. ... |
Holiday leftovers may create dangers for pets - Farragutpress
Homeless pets still need to eat - Reuters
Pet-centric Retail Site Muttropolis.com Included in Internet ... - MarketWatch
Get your pets in the holiday spirit - Bayshore Courier
Holidays bring safety challenges for family pets - Atlanta Journal Constitution
Here is how you can help with homeless pets - Homer News
Here is how you can help with homeless petsHomer News, AK -38 minutes ago"In doing that and being responsible pet owners, we wouldn't have cats and kittens left in dumpsters. We see more of that in the wintertime. ... |
Pets need a home for the holidays - Ponte Vedra Recorder
Pets need a home for the holidaysPonte Vedra Recorder, FL -14 hours agoThe Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is hosting its third annual pet adoption event, "A Home for the Holidays," on Saturday, Dec. ... |
InSight UT: Pets line up to take their pictures with Santa Claus - Tennessee Journalist
Middlesex Borough man urges fire safety after losing home, pets to ... - Scarlet Scuttlebutt
|
|
 |
|
|
RELATED ARTICLES
Owning a Wild or Exotic Cat; Information, Laws, and Advice
Have you ever dreamed of living with a bobcat or having a pet tiger? You're not alone, and many people share their lives responsibly and safely with such animals. My beloved companion is a African Serval, a very affectionate 33-pound spotted feline. However, this dream come true brings with it some very real challenges and responsibilities far beyond those facing the average pet owner.
Holistic Pet Care?From a Distinctly Christian Perspective
As a business, I've not been in the holistic pet care industry long. As a pet owner and pet care worker, it has been a very long journey. I came to this industry as a result of not only being extremely frustrated in traditional care and methods but because I am attracted to doing things naturally, the way God intended and always have been. What I've found in this industry is almost an oxymoron though.
Protecting Yourself From Online Pet Classifieds Scams!
Internet Fraud, Classifieds Scams, Abuse and Suspicious Replies are world wide issues that have become widespread in targeting sellers and buyers everywhere specially on the Internet. Often this involves buyers from Nigeria, Africa, Holland and other countries. In recent years, online Pet Classifieds scams have increased and have affected many people.
What About a Newfoundland Dog
Ok, so everyone who stays on top of the show dog world knows that a Newfoundland won Best in Show at the Westminster Dog Show in 2004. That was a shock to many of the traditionalists who think that the smaller and more assertive dogs are the ideal and drool does not belong on the show floor. The win also caused an inflation in the price of Newfoundland puppies, which was bad for the average income household, but good for some dog breeding operations. Despite the Westminster win, the Newfoundland breed was not elevated to the "Most Popular Breed" spot with the AKC. Which was a relief to many Newfoundland lovers who take to heart a deep responsibility for the well-being and protection of the breed.
Essential Fatty Acids for Parrots
You may be hearing more talk these days about "Essential Fatty Acids" (E.F.A.s) and our birds need for them in the diet. (That word "essential" is the giveaway, right?") So, what are they and how to we supply them?
Dog Flea Control Management: How To Prevent, Treat, And Kill Dog Fleas
Dog flea control and management requires an integrated approach. For effective treatment both the host animal and the environment must be treated at the same time. Control of fleas on the pet generally requires the use of insecticides. Although flea combs can remove some fleas, combing should be thought of as a method for detecting fleas rather than removing them.
How To Find Your Lost Dog
The first thing to do when searching for a lost dog is to confirm that your dog is actually lost. Dogs, especially curious breeds, can easily find an interesting place in your backyard to investigate for quite some time. Often no amount of calling your dog's name will distract him from finding out what exactly is moving under that bucket by the fence. Search every corner of your residence before venturing out looking for your lost dog.
History of Dogs? Or Maybe Wolves?
Origin
The Gifts We Give Our Dogs
Whoever coined the phrase, "It's a Dog's Life" wasn't familiar with 21st century dogs. Time was when the average canine slept outside, ate whatever scraps of food were tossed his way, and if he was lucky, was thrown the occasional bone. He was even expected to earn his keep!
Ensure a Good Relationship Between Your Cat and Your Kids
Many parents know that the best way for children to learn compassion and the importance of keeping commitments is by helping to care for a pet. Children learn from watching the adults in their lives. If a child can learn to treat an animal with respect they can take that lesson into later life. A cat can be a marvellous, loving companion for a child, but it is up to the adults in the family to ensure the cat and the kids live together happily ever after.
How to Start a Pet-Sitting Business
Everyday someone asks me, "How do you start a pet-sitting business?" I try to answer their question succinctly. But the truth is, starting a pet-sitting business, or any business is not always a succinct process. Following are 21 tips that I know can lead to pet-care business success in any economy.
Does Your Dog Need Puppy Prozac?
Is your dog up to dirty no good again? Did he eat your socks? Knock your drink off the coffee table? Chew through your favorite vintage record album? Should you invest in Doggy Prozac? Should you think about dropping him off at the local pound?
If You Want a Friend, Get a Dog!
Carl Icahn, the hostile takeover master who was THE original corporate raider, is often quoted as saying, "In this business, if you want a friend, get a dog!" The rest of us already knew that dog was man's best friend, and with good reason. Dogs as pets date back at least as far as the days of Pompeii, where the remains of a dog stretched out next to a little boy were recovered from the rubble at Pompeii.
Dog Breath-It Doesnt HAVE to Be SO Bad!
While your friends and family are amazed that you're
raising such an amazing dog, you notice that they flinch
when the dog gets too close. They may shrug away or not
bend down to pet him as they once did. While they may not
say so directly, it could be due to your dog's killer breath.
While this situation is all too common, hopefully you've
noticed your pooch's halitosis before anyone says or does
anything to cause you (or your poor dog) embarrassment.
As stated, your dog cannot tell you that he has a sticky,
plaque taste in his mouth that won't stop. It's your job to
understand that he, like you, needs his teeth brushed and his
gums attended to regularly.
Antibiotics? I Think Not
Have you noticed that doctors are now being much more reluctant to give you a prescription for antibiotics unless it's proven that you are indeed suffering from a bacterial infection? Well, I wish I could say better late than never, but in the case of antibiotics, we're far too late.
Toy Dog Breeds
Toy dog breeds include greyhounds, terriers, pinschers, pugs, chihuahuas, pekingese, spaniels--the official list of the AKC is quite extensive. Regardless of breed, toy dogs are desired for their cuteness and cuddle-ability. Many retain the characteristics of a puppy for their entire lives. This may be one of the big attractions that toy dog breeds hold over larger breed dogs.
Discover: How to Prevent Dog Bites Case
Of all the aggressive behavior in dogs dog bites is the most
serious.
However no matter how serious it may be you can contain it
if you are
able to diagnose the cause of this aggressive dog behavior.
Animals Are Forever
Throughout the course of my life, I've encountered my own share of dogs. From early childhood days, I recall having several dogs that stayed temporarily with us until my dad's next military assignment. Though my parents took good care of our animals, military life was unsuitable for animal adoptions as in most cases, animals were not permitted to go back overseas with us; thus we were inevitably forced to find homes for our pets.
Six Dog Training Tips to Modify Negative Behavior
Almost every dog owner will have to use some sort of behavior modification techniques at one time or another when training their prized pet. If you are able to 'get' why your dog does what he does, when he does it, you are one step closer to solving the problem. This article will detail ten ways of doing just that, in a general fashion that can be used for a wide variety of issues.
How to Make Your Cats Life, and YOUR Life, Happier - Training Your Cat
Imagine that you are scolding your cat for scratching at your new furniture, and Kitty is sitting staring at you. Suddenly you realize how silly you look and how futile your scolding is. So how do you train your cat to respect your home?
|
