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Name
Flea Control, Canine and Feline
Short Description
Ctenocephalides canis, Ctenocephalides felis
Affected Animals: Fleas can infest dogs and cats of all ages,
sexes, and breeds. Animals that spend a lot of time outside are at
increased risk of getting fleas.
Overview: Fleas are familiar pests; few pet
owners escape the trials of ridding their dog or cat of this common
parasite. However, fleas can be eradicated more easily today than
ever before. For example, advanced flea control products available
through veterinarians require only a single monthly application to
the back of the neck or along the spine to achieve reliable flea
control on the pet.
A flea is a tiny, laterally flat, wingless insect that subsists on
the blood of its host. It has long legs that enable it to jump
tremendous distances, such as from one animal to another. A flea's
life cycle consists of the adult, egg, three larval stages, and
pupa. Currently available flea control products are effective at
deterring fleas at one or more of these stages, with the exception
of the pupa, which defies current treatments. Although dogs and cats
are the preferred hosts for fleas, they can exist on other mammals
if necessary.
Clinical Signs: Presence of fleas or flea feces, itching, hair
loss, moisture dermatitis or "hot spots", and more severe symptoms
can be noted in animals with flea bite allergy. Tapeworm
infestations can occur as a result of ingesting fleas.
Symptoms:
See clinical signs.
Description:
Fleas can be terrible nuisances for animals and
humans. They reproduce quickly in warm, humid weather, resulting in
large numbers of the parasite appearing within a short period of
time. Because fleas take blood as nourishment, they can pose a
threat to small, frail animals. Both kittens and puppies can become
overwhelmed by a flea infestation and die due to blood loss anemia.
Animals with allergies also may develop extremely uncomfortable skin
disease from reactions to flea saliva. Normal animals, however,
simply will be irritated by their presence. Fleas also can infect
animals with tapeworms, an intestinal parasite, if fleas are
accidentally swallowed.
The first step in flea control is recognizing the problem. Animals
should be checked frequently for fleas by being brushed while
standing over a white sheet; the flea feces, small, black flecks of
digested blood, will fall off easily, indicating the presence of
fleas. A flea comb with very fine teeth also is helpful to remove
flea debris and may remove some adult fleas, if enough are present.
Most fleas congregate over the rump and tail area of the pet. If
evidence of fleas is noted, the animal should also be checked for
tapeworm segments, which appear as cream colored, rice-like segments
stuck in the fur around the anus or in the feces.
Diagnosis: Diagnosis is based on the presence of fleas, flea
feces, itching, and hair loss.
Prognosis: With a proper flea control plan and dedicated
treatment, fleas usually can be kept under control. Flea control is
a more difficult endeavor in year-round warm climates.
Transmission or Cause: Fleas are found in the environment. Their
survival depends on a warm-blooded mammal for nourishment and they
thrive in warm, humid environments. The most common type of flea is
the cat flea, although its name is actually a misnomer, as it does
not prefer cats and infests dogs just as frequently.
Treatment:
Getting rid of fleas involves treating all
animals, and eradicating their presence from both the indoor and
outdoor environments. Navigating through the myriad of flea control
products available today can be extremely confusing; in addition,
some products are toxic to particular species. A veterinarian can
recommend several different products and can help design a complete
treatment program. The house and outdoor environment either can be
treated by the owner or by a professional exterminator.
All flea control products work at one or more stages of the flea's
life cycle. Attacking the fleas at different stages will result in
faster eradication. The only stage that is resistant to treatment
products is the pupa stage. The pupa is wrapped in a cocoon that
renders it virtually indestructible. Eventually, though fleas at
this stage will be eradicated when they emerge as an adult flea.
Fleas can hide in many places indoors, so piles of old newspapers
and magazines should be disposed, and non-carpeted surfaces and
crevices should be mopped and disinfected. Vacuum cleaner bags
should be changed and discarded after each use, since the eggs can
survive within the bag and be deposited back into the carpet when
the vacuum cleaner is used next.
Prevention: Most flea collars are not particularly effective
in the fight against fleas. Some special collars that control flea
eggs, however, can be more helpful. The best eradication is achieved
with advanced topical products that require a single monthly
application at the back of the neck or along the spine; these
products currently are available only through veterinarians.
