Home About Writers Categories Recent Issues Subscribe Contact File Transfer





Dr Laura Morland
Dr. Laura Morland graduated from Kansas State University in 1971 with a doctorate in veterinary medicine. Dr. Morland is very involved in her community. She has four children and two grandchildren. In her spare time she enjoys raising Yorkies, Cairns and Maltese, and being a grandma. Dr. Morland may be reached at 620-724-8054 or visit www.girardanimalhospital.com.
Pets
2011-05-01 10:03:00
The dangers of fleas and ticks
Answer: It is the time of year when all dog and cat owners need to address the issue of parasite control. Unfortunately, many pet owners don’t fully understand the importance of flea and tick control. It is critical that you understand the dangers that your pets (and you) could be facing. Parasites, besides being an annoyance carry many dangerous diseases-some of which are life-threatening. That’s why it is so important that you understand how to protect your pet from these dangers. Fleas: The problem with fleas is that they breed and multiply very quickly. One flea on your dog or cat, in two months time, could increase to almost 3 million. Fleas are blood-sucking parasites and can bite your pet more than 400 times in just one day. If your pet has an allergic reaction to the proteins in flea saliva, he can develop flea allergy dermatitis, causing constant scratching and licking and skin problems such as infections and hair loss. Fleas can also transmit very serious diseases to your pet, including anemia, bacterial diseases, tapeworms and other parasites. Ticks: Tick infestations of dogs and cats are important not only because ticks are nuisance blood sucking parasites but also because they can transmit a variety of diseases. A tick bite can cause localized infection. The most harmful effects of a tick bite include serious diseases like Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain fever, paralysis, encephalitis and anemia. An additional hazard is if your pet brings a tick into your home, there is the risk of transmitting these same diseases to you or your family. Ticks are particularly hard to control and are on the increase throughout the country. The increase in the white tailed deer population due to changes in agricultural practices is a primary reason. An additional issue is the existence of multiple tick species; at least 11 different varieties have been identified. In Kansas, four different species have been found to be commonplace and more are moving in. Prevention is the key to controlling these insect vectors and year around treatment is becoming the norm across the country. Because of the different varieties of ticks with varying life cycles, the threat is constant. There are many products available that will protect your pets from both fleas and ticks. These are becoming increasingly available both over-the- counter and from your veterinarian. Five Quick Tips for Tick Control: 1. Check for ticks daily. 2. Use a preventative on all pets. 3. Ask your veterinarian for screening of possible tick borne illnesses at least yearly. 4. Watch pets closely for changes in behavior or appetite. 5. Talk with your veterinarian about tick or flea borne diseases in your area.
 
The Q & A Times Journal accepts no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts or photographs.Materials will not be returned unless accompanied by a stamped, self-addressed envelope. Thank you.
 
Wildcard SSL Certificates