Clinton Parkway

Fleas and Ticks

There are over 2,200 species of fleas and they have been in existence for 50 million years.

Few problems can be more frustrating for you and your pet than fleas. This pesky critter spends nearly all of its time on your pet biting, consuming blood meals, and laying eggs.

Flea facts:

• Fleas pass through a life cycle of four stages. Completion from egg to adult varies from two weeks to over a year.
• The flea population is typically made up of 50% eggs, 30% larvae, 15% pupae, and only 5% biting adults.
• Adult fleas spend their entire life on the pet.
• Flea feces are seen as small, black (pepper grain) specks. These fecal particles are composed of blood.
• Female fleas can lay 30 to 50 eggs a day, up to 600 in a lifetime.
• In just 30 days, 10 female fleas under ideal conditions can multiply to over a quarter million different life stages.
• The home environment represents over 90% of flea infestation problems.
• Rabbits, possums and squirrels all have fleas, but this animal is the only carrier of fleas that can affect your pet.
• Many pets are allergic to the flea saliva and may develop a skin condition called flea allergic dermatitis (FAD).
• It may take only one fleabite to set off in-tense itching, biting, and scratching.

The life cycle of the flea: To end it…you have to understand it.

Flea Eggs

Eggs (view image) are loosely laid in the hair and drop off where your pet rests or sleeps (carpets, upholstered furniture, etc.). They hatch into tiny, worm-like creatures called larvae.

Flea Larvae

Larvae (view image) are sensitive to light and seek dark hiding places under furniture, etc. The larva spins a cocoon and develops into a pupa.

Flea Pupae

Pupae (view image) are found in the depths of carpeting and rugs, and in the crevices of hardwood floors. The pupa develops into an adult inside the cocoon and emerges when it senses the conditions are right for survival.

Adult Fleas

Adult fleas (view image) may remain resting in the cocoon for months, and emerge only when stimulated by vibrations such as pet movement or even the carbon dioxide that pets exhale (potential blood source is near).

Flea Shampoos:

Mycodex Shampoo and Ectosoothe Shampoo (for itchy skin or dermatitis) are excellent products but do not provide any residual protection against fleas. Use cool to cold water for more relief if your pet is itching. Allow 10 minutes of contact and protect your pet’s eyes with artificial tear ointment.

Skin Ointments:

Clinton Parkway Animal Hospital is constantly evaluating products in the field of veterinary medicine in order to offer our patients the best protection available against fleas and ticks. We have received many phone calls regarding Frontline Plus not working as well as in previous years. After researching all products available, we now advise switching to Vectra 3D for dogs with tick exposure.

Vectra 3D is a convenient and safe topical insecticide for dogs that provides very effective flea and tick control for 30 days. It is not rinsed off with bathing. Compared to other topicals, Vectra 3D contains a more effective insect growth regulator which prevents flea eggs from hatching. This is very important since 95% of flea populations are in the immature stages.

It should be noted that Vectra 3D contains permethrin, which can be toxic to cats. The gel has a bitter taste, so it is unlikely cats will ingest the product. But for clients with dogs and cats, it is best to allow the product to dry 5-6 hours on your dog before any contact with your cat. After drying, Vectra 3D is 100% safe around cats. Occasionally, smaller dogs may experience a temporary “itching sensation” for the first few hours after application as the products spreads across the skin. This sensation goes away as the product dries and usually does not occur with subsequent applications.

We advise Revolution for flea control in cats. It also prevents feline heartworm disease, a serious problem in the Lawrence area.

Trifexis

Trifexis is a new, chewable, beef-flavored tablet that provides month-long protection against fleas, heartworm disease and intestinal parasites (hookworm, roundworm and whipworm). Trifexis contains a flea adulticide (spinosad), which kills fleas. Sentinel, containing lufenuron, only sterilizes fleas and your pet can still have live fleas. Trifexis is the first and only oral product to provide this broad protection and studies have shown it to be very effective. Trifexis is now our first choice for pets that do not have risks of tick exposure.

Additional Information:

• Learn more about ticks found in Kansas and the diseases they transmit.
• Comparisons between purchasing preventatives from CPAH vs. Internet pharmacies.

Treating the house:

Since the home environment represents over 90% of flea infestation problems, treating your house with Knockout Area Carpet Spray is often combined with topical and/or oral flea products. This spray contains an insecticide plus insect growth regulator (IGR), which provides a six-month residual action against flea eggs and larvae.

Vacuum thoroughly before treatment, and concentrate in areas where your pet spends most of its time — this is where the eggs and larvae are. Treat underneath furniture, cushions, etc. Launder the pet’s bedding. Do not apply to non-carpeted areas since the product loses its effectiveness quickly. We do not recommend foggers since the aerosol will not get underneath furniture.

Treating the yard:

The only way to adequately deal with lawns is to use insecticides. Rake the yard prior to application and do not treat areas exposed to direct sunlight — fleas cannot survive here. Spray only shaded, cool or damp areas where your pet spends its time during the heat of the day. We recommend Diazinon or Dursban Granules, and repeat treatment every 2-4 weeks if needed.