Skin Allergies and Parasites
From springtime through the late fall, many people are subject to seasonal allergies. But people are not the only ones suffering. For our dogs and cats, these same seasons can bring intense itching and discomfort. Yes, it seems our pets can get their own “hay fever”.
By: David G. Beauchamp, DVM
It’s a very frustrating and somewhat common situation. Pet owners by the millions flock to their veterinarians in the hope of relieving their pet’s itchiness. For many people, the constant chewing, licking, and scratching can test their love for their pets.
Current estimates show that about 20 million pets suffer from some sort of skin condition and many of these are allergies. Allergies are an over-reaction of the body’s immune system to a foreign substance, such as pollen or flea saliva. For people with allergies, we sneeze and sniffle as our bodies respond to histamine released by immune cells. These symptoms are due to the reaction of histamine with receptors in our nose and upper airways.
Our pets, however, react somewhat differently. Dogs and cats have many more histamine receptors in the skin and fewer in the nose. As histamine is released, the receptors cause an itchy feeling and the pet reacts by scratching at that site. Scratching can generate more histamine release, thereby causing more scratching. The constant assault on the skin by the pet’s claws can actually damage the skin, leading to bacterial and yeast infections. Areas of hair loss and oozing sores known as “hot spots” are very common with allergies.
Fleas are often found to be the reason for a pet’s itchiness. However, the pet who is truly allergic to fleas will often appear to have no fleas at all! Why? Because these pets are the ultimate flea catchers, doing everything in their power to bite or scratch the discomfort of the flea away. The flea’s saliva sets off an allergic reaction leading to a flurry of chewing and digging at the skin.
Young puppies are sometimes susceptible to a skin parasite called demodectic mange. This mite is usually transmitted from the mother to the puppies and can cause widespread hair loss and secondary bacterial infection. Treatment may involve multiple injections to kill the mites or dips may be used.
Another skin parasite that can be found is sarcoptic mange. This mite buries under the skin of affected animals and can be difficult to diagnose and treat. The most important point about this mite is it is contagious to humans. So it is crucial that when your pet shows signs of allergies to see our veterinary team right away.
Allergies to airborne substances, such as pollen and mold spores, are another reason for itchiness in pets. This is known as atopy and affects many pets from springtime straight through until fall. This condition can be inherited in certain breeds.
If your pet has signs of allergies year round and you see little or no improvement with certain medications, you may have a pet that has food allergies. Contrary to popular belief, food allergies take time to develop and are not due to recent diet changes. Most pets who develop food allergies have been eating the offending food with little problem for years. Common food allergens can include any major protein or carbohydrate source in the pet’s food.
In some mild cases, the itchiness can be treated with anti-histamines or even steroids for a short period of time. However, pet owners need to be aware that allergies are NOT a condition that can be cured. The good news though, is that they can be well-managed with a team effort from the pet owner and our veterinary team.
Utilizing diagnostic tests such as blood testing, skin scraping, and even skin allergy tests, Drs. Claypool, Brazik, and Beauchamp can often find ways to reduce the pet’s discomfort level. In some cases, your family veterinarian may refer you and your pet to a veterinary dermatologist. This specialist has many more diagnostic and treatment resources available to bring relief to your pet. In all cases, you, the pet owner, are a vital part of the team. It will be up to you to make sure that all pets in the household are treated for fleas or that your pet stays on the recommended hypo-allergenic diet and doesn’t sneak other treats!
Allergies are not only one of the most frequent reasons for a trip to the veterinarian, but are also a big reason for pet owners becoming frustrated with their pet. Working with your veterinary team to identify what is causing your pet’s symptoms will help keep your four-legged family member right where he needs to be…with you! Copy this link into your browser to watch how pets are diagnosed and treated for their allergies:
https://www.myvnn.com/page.asp?id=39&media_type=11&story_id=13#
Don't let your pet suffer from allergies. At the first sign of skin trouble, please call our office 371-3440 to schedule an appointment. You will save a lot of money, frustration, and time by treating the problem at the earliest rather than waiting for it to become a systemic problem. Also, visit our website to learn more:
www.myvetonline.com/lelandvh
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Dr. David Beauchamp is owning veterinarian at Leland Veterinary Hospital, 508 Village Rd, Leland, NC. Email us at lelandvethosp@gmail.com. Like Us on Facebook.
Monday, August 27, 2012
Monday, August 20, 2012
Wildlife in Our Backyard
Wildlife in Our Backyard
For many people, the sight of deer in their backyard on a brisk late summer morning is a wonderful start to the day. But, as we continue to encroach into formerly “wild” areas, are we putting ourselves and our pets at risk?
By: David G. Beauchamp, DVM
Wildlife fascinates us. Whether it’s the sight of a fox along the roadside or a raccoon ambling across a yard, people often stop in amazement, enthralled by these encounters with nature.
However, there is a darker side to this fascination. As we build more homes in formerly rural areas such as Brunswick Forest, Magnolia Greens, Waterford, and Westport, contact with wild animals increases. Much of this new interaction has unfortunate consequences for the wildlife. This is evident by the number of dead skunks, raccoons, foxes and possums along the roadside.
But, we humans and our pets are also in danger in these wild interactions. Along with deer come blood-thirsty ticks and an array of bacterial diseases. Raccoons, foxes, and skunks bring the terror of rabies to our backyard and even the humble mouse has the potential for spreading deadly Hantavirus. Is there any way that we can peacefully co-exist alongside wildlife?
Thankfully the answer is yes! Knowing the risks and taking steps to avoid them can help keep the whole family safe. Drs. Beauchamp, Brazik, and Claypool at Leland Veterinary Hospital want you and your family to be safe around wildlife.
First, as mentioned above, skunks, foxes, and raccoons are three important reservoirs of rabies in Brunswick and New Hanover counties. Prior to 1977, rabies was very rare along the mid-Atlantic states and New England area. But, a human managed relocation of raccoons from Florida to West Virginia in the late 1970s has unleashed a new epidemic of rabies in these areas.
Rabid raccoons often become nice and “approachable” and many people are tempted to take the animal into their yards or homes. Skunks, on the other hand, will become overly aggressive and actively attack humans and pets.
Raccoons also harbor a significant parasite known as the “raccoon roundworm” or Baylisascaris. These large worms are associated with severe or even fatal central nervous system disease in many mammals. The eggs are passed in the feces of the raccoon and then encountered by other animals, including children. The parasite can also mature in our dogs. This means that it is possible our pets are helping to contaminate larger areas with this potentially fatal worm.
They may be small, but many mice and rats can carry a killer virus. First discovered in the Four Corners region of the US, Hantavirus (or Sin Nombre virus) is now found in more than 30 states. Because of a long incubation period (one to five weeks), many people are unaware of a problem until too late. Thirty percent of affected individuals die. This disease is spread through rodent droppings, urine and saliva. It is possible to become infected after cleaning a house or barn where rodents have been in residence. Thankfully, our pets are not affected by this virus.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (www.cdc.gov), the white tailed deer population in North America is now approaching levels not seen in more than 200 years. Although beautiful to look at, many wild deer carry some unwanted passengers, like ticks.
Ticks are the primary vector for several serious bacterial diseases like Lyme, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Ehlichiosis, and Anaplasmosis, and tularemia. As we have built new subdivisions in rural areas or reforested old agricultural lands, these diseases have shown significant increases, both in humans and our dogs.
Finally, a single celled organism known as Giardia is the most common intestinal parasite of people in North America. In fact, people comprise the main reservoir of this disease. But, wild animals, like beavers, muskrats and small rodents also make up an important additional source of infection. This parasite can cause severe diarrhea, anorexia, and weight loss in both people and pets.
Thanks to modern veterinary medicine and good common sense, it is possible to enjoy our wild neighbors and keep everyone safe.
First, avoiding contact with wildlife is the number one rule. Not only will it help prevent disease transmission, but it will also stop traumatic injuries from fights or chases through the woods.
Avoid the temptation to feed the local wildlife (with the exception of birds). Like our dogs and cats, wild animals become accustomed to regular feeding stations. Although well intentioned, this act will cause wild animals to linger in your yard and puts them in danger.
Similarly, don’t adopt orphaned or injured animals unless you are a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. Keeping these animals increases your risk of contracting one of the diseases or parasites mentioned above.
Watch for wildlife defecation areas, like communal raccoon latrines. Using proper protective equipment, remove and destroy the feces.
Vaccinations and preventive flea and tick medications are vital in keeping our pets safe from these dangers. The doctors at Leland Veterinary Hospital can help you determine your pets’ risk factors and then guide you to choosing appropriate vaccines and flea/tick preventives. In our practice we have seen a significant increase in Lyme Disease this year so it is important to obtain quality tick control products such as Advantix and Scalabor from our office.
Our growing urban sprawl and the adaptability of wild creatures means that we will continue to encounter many animals in and around our homes. To learn more about keeping everyone safe, copy and paste the link for this video in your browser https://www.myvnn.com/page.asp?id=39&media_type=11&story_id=88
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David Beauchamp, DVM is owner of Leland Veterinary Hospital, 508 Village Rd, Leland, NC 910-371-3440.
www.myvetonline.com/lelandvh
Like us on Facebook
For many people, the sight of deer in their backyard on a brisk late summer morning is a wonderful start to the day. But, as we continue to encroach into formerly “wild” areas, are we putting ourselves and our pets at risk?
By: David G. Beauchamp, DVM
Wildlife fascinates us. Whether it’s the sight of a fox along the roadside or a raccoon ambling across a yard, people often stop in amazement, enthralled by these encounters with nature.
However, there is a darker side to this fascination. As we build more homes in formerly rural areas such as Brunswick Forest, Magnolia Greens, Waterford, and Westport, contact with wild animals increases. Much of this new interaction has unfortunate consequences for the wildlife. This is evident by the number of dead skunks, raccoons, foxes and possums along the roadside.
But, we humans and our pets are also in danger in these wild interactions. Along with deer come blood-thirsty ticks and an array of bacterial diseases. Raccoons, foxes, and skunks bring the terror of rabies to our backyard and even the humble mouse has the potential for spreading deadly Hantavirus. Is there any way that we can peacefully co-exist alongside wildlife?
Thankfully the answer is yes! Knowing the risks and taking steps to avoid them can help keep the whole family safe. Drs. Beauchamp, Brazik, and Claypool at Leland Veterinary Hospital want you and your family to be safe around wildlife.
First, as mentioned above, skunks, foxes, and raccoons are three important reservoirs of rabies in Brunswick and New Hanover counties. Prior to 1977, rabies was very rare along the mid-Atlantic states and New England area. But, a human managed relocation of raccoons from Florida to West Virginia in the late 1970s has unleashed a new epidemic of rabies in these areas.
Rabid raccoons often become nice and “approachable” and many people are tempted to take the animal into their yards or homes. Skunks, on the other hand, will become overly aggressive and actively attack humans and pets.
Raccoons also harbor a significant parasite known as the “raccoon roundworm” or Baylisascaris. These large worms are associated with severe or even fatal central nervous system disease in many mammals. The eggs are passed in the feces of the raccoon and then encountered by other animals, including children. The parasite can also mature in our dogs. This means that it is possible our pets are helping to contaminate larger areas with this potentially fatal worm.
They may be small, but many mice and rats can carry a killer virus. First discovered in the Four Corners region of the US, Hantavirus (or Sin Nombre virus) is now found in more than 30 states. Because of a long incubation period (one to five weeks), many people are unaware of a problem until too late. Thirty percent of affected individuals die. This disease is spread through rodent droppings, urine and saliva. It is possible to become infected after cleaning a house or barn where rodents have been in residence. Thankfully, our pets are not affected by this virus.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (www.cdc.gov), the white tailed deer population in North America is now approaching levels not seen in more than 200 years. Although beautiful to look at, many wild deer carry some unwanted passengers, like ticks.
Ticks are the primary vector for several serious bacterial diseases like Lyme, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Ehlichiosis, and Anaplasmosis, and tularemia. As we have built new subdivisions in rural areas or reforested old agricultural lands, these diseases have shown significant increases, both in humans and our dogs.
Finally, a single celled organism known as Giardia is the most common intestinal parasite of people in North America. In fact, people comprise the main reservoir of this disease. But, wild animals, like beavers, muskrats and small rodents also make up an important additional source of infection. This parasite can cause severe diarrhea, anorexia, and weight loss in both people and pets.
Thanks to modern veterinary medicine and good common sense, it is possible to enjoy our wild neighbors and keep everyone safe.
First, avoiding contact with wildlife is the number one rule. Not only will it help prevent disease transmission, but it will also stop traumatic injuries from fights or chases through the woods.
Avoid the temptation to feed the local wildlife (with the exception of birds). Like our dogs and cats, wild animals become accustomed to regular feeding stations. Although well intentioned, this act will cause wild animals to linger in your yard and puts them in danger.
Similarly, don’t adopt orphaned or injured animals unless you are a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. Keeping these animals increases your risk of contracting one of the diseases or parasites mentioned above.
Watch for wildlife defecation areas, like communal raccoon latrines. Using proper protective equipment, remove and destroy the feces.
Vaccinations and preventive flea and tick medications are vital in keeping our pets safe from these dangers. The doctors at Leland Veterinary Hospital can help you determine your pets’ risk factors and then guide you to choosing appropriate vaccines and flea/tick preventives. In our practice we have seen a significant increase in Lyme Disease this year so it is important to obtain quality tick control products such as Advantix and Scalabor from our office.
Our growing urban sprawl and the adaptability of wild creatures means that we will continue to encounter many animals in and around our homes. To learn more about keeping everyone safe, copy and paste the link for this video in your browser https://www.myvnn.com/page.asp?id=39&media_type=11&story_id=88
-------------------------------------------
David Beauchamp, DVM is owner of Leland Veterinary Hospital, 508 Village Rd, Leland, NC 910-371-3440.
www.myvetonline.com/lelandvh
Like us on Facebook
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Online Pharmacies: What You Need To Know
Online Pharmacies: What You Need To Know
Their ads promise to save you lots of money and even “a stressful trip to the veterinarian”. You are encouraged by slick video and professional announcers to purchase flea medications, pain relief drugs and even heartworm prevention all from the comfort of your living room and laptop computer. But, are online pet pharmacies really the best option for you or are there hidden dangers? Drs. Beauchamp, Brazik, and Claypool at Leland Veterinary Hospital want you to know the facts.
By: David G. Beauchamp, DVM
With record numbers of families enjoying the benefits of pet ownership and online shopping, it should come as no surprise that the amount of money spent on our pets is huge. Experts are forecasting that pet owners will spend more than $50 billion dollars annually. A significant percentage of those expenses include veterinary care and prescription medications. So, is it any wonder that buying your prescription medications online may also look like a good deal?
At first glance, online pet pharmacies would seem to be a great option. The promise of lower prices and having the medication shipped to your door is a big selling point for busy, budget conscious people. These online stores also promise a guarantee. But, there are some pitfalls when relying on Internet based sources for your pet’s medication needs.
First, they all say you can “save a trip to the vet”. Unfortunately, this is only partially true. In order to prescribe and dispense medication to your pet, North Carolina law requires that there is a valid veterinarian-client-pet relationship or VCPR. This is usually defined as a veterinarian having examined your pet within the last 12 months. If the VCPR does not exist, medication cannot be dispensed. Nevertheless, we do provide a written prescription to you if you request one as long as the VCPR is current.
Some websites will offer to sell the drugs without a prescription. This is not only illegal but not in the best interest of your pet! Websites that sell without needing prescriptions are most often based outside of North America, where pharmacy and drug laws may not be as strict. Some of the medications may be counterfeit and some may have risky concentrations of the active ingredient.
The requirement for the professional veterinary-client-patient relationship insures that you and your veterinarian have good, up to date facts about your pet’s health. Plus the medical records and history for your pet are all in one place. The veterinary staff also knows your whole pet family and can help prevent problems when there are multiple species present in the household. Only your personal veterinarian can answer your questions and tell you how to properly use, store, dose, and dispose of these drugs.
Since pets are unique individuals, some may have unexpected reactions to certain drugs and some medications can even be deadly if given incorrectly. Others may need a special formulation for ease of administration. The online pharmacies will not know this information and this could be a problem if your pet is on several medications or has secondary conditions.
When an online pharmacy says they have a product guarantee, they mean if your pet has an undesirable side effect from the medication, they will refund only the price of the medication. Heartworm medication manufacturers require that their medication be dispensed on the order of a licensed veterinarian. They guarantee through your veterinarian that if your pet gets heartworms when dosed regularly then the manufacturer will pay for the entire heartworm treatment. This does not apply when you purchase from an online pharmacy.
If a life-threatening emergency happens with a medication, your veterinarian is only a phone call away. Some online pharmacies only allow contact through email and this will not help you if your pet needs assistance immediately!
Finally, despite many good businesses online, there will always be a few who are looking for a quick buck at your expense. Avoid sites that offer dramatically lower prices than competing sites or your veterinarian. There are some companies who receive their prescription medication by having licensed veterinarians divert their products to an online source. This practice is unethical and is likely to become illegal. Likewise, if you have ordered medication online, check the drug to make sure it looks identical to what you have given before. If it looks different in any way, do not give it to your pet.
The FDA is so concerned about this, it is now warning pet owners to be aware of shady online companies. And, the National Board of Pharmacies has instituted the Veterinary Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites program (Vet-VIPPS) to help you find properly licensed and compliant online pet pharmacies. Only twelve companies so far have earned the right to display the Vet-VIPPS seal of approval. A recent press release in July, 2012 states that the FDA will be investigating the source of online stores medications. If they find that online stores are receiving medications through diversion, then the stores may lose their licenses.
Check with your veterinarian about online pharmacies. Leland Veterinary Hospital now offers our own online store through our pet portal system, Vetstreet. You can get a pet portal online by clicking the Pet Portal icon on our website: www.myvetonline.com/lelandvh. Once registered, you can order your pet’s medications conveniently from home, and get home delivery and you know that the source is reputable. In addition, you will know who you are talking to in case of any problems or concerns. Honest and open communication with Drs. Brazik, Beauchamp, and Claypool about cost concerns will prevent misunderstandings about money and help you do what’s best for your pet. Our online store is priced competitively with other online sources and the manufacturers guarantee their medications.
Their ads promise to save you lots of money and even “a stressful trip to the veterinarian”. You are encouraged by slick video and professional announcers to purchase flea medications, pain relief drugs and even heartworm prevention all from the comfort of your living room and laptop computer. But, are online pet pharmacies really the best option for you or are there hidden dangers? Drs. Beauchamp, Brazik, and Claypool at Leland Veterinary Hospital want you to know the facts.
By: David G. Beauchamp, DVM
With record numbers of families enjoying the benefits of pet ownership and online shopping, it should come as no surprise that the amount of money spent on our pets is huge. Experts are forecasting that pet owners will spend more than $50 billion dollars annually. A significant percentage of those expenses include veterinary care and prescription medications. So, is it any wonder that buying your prescription medications online may also look like a good deal?
At first glance, online pet pharmacies would seem to be a great option. The promise of lower prices and having the medication shipped to your door is a big selling point for busy, budget conscious people. These online stores also promise a guarantee. But, there are some pitfalls when relying on Internet based sources for your pet’s medication needs.
First, they all say you can “save a trip to the vet”. Unfortunately, this is only partially true. In order to prescribe and dispense medication to your pet, North Carolina law requires that there is a valid veterinarian-client-pet relationship or VCPR. This is usually defined as a veterinarian having examined your pet within the last 12 months. If the VCPR does not exist, medication cannot be dispensed. Nevertheless, we do provide a written prescription to you if you request one as long as the VCPR is current.
Some websites will offer to sell the drugs without a prescription. This is not only illegal but not in the best interest of your pet! Websites that sell without needing prescriptions are most often based outside of North America, where pharmacy and drug laws may not be as strict. Some of the medications may be counterfeit and some may have risky concentrations of the active ingredient.
The requirement for the professional veterinary-client-patient relationship insures that you and your veterinarian have good, up to date facts about your pet’s health. Plus the medical records and history for your pet are all in one place. The veterinary staff also knows your whole pet family and can help prevent problems when there are multiple species present in the household. Only your personal veterinarian can answer your questions and tell you how to properly use, store, dose, and dispose of these drugs.
Since pets are unique individuals, some may have unexpected reactions to certain drugs and some medications can even be deadly if given incorrectly. Others may need a special formulation for ease of administration. The online pharmacies will not know this information and this could be a problem if your pet is on several medications or has secondary conditions.
When an online pharmacy says they have a product guarantee, they mean if your pet has an undesirable side effect from the medication, they will refund only the price of the medication. Heartworm medication manufacturers require that their medication be dispensed on the order of a licensed veterinarian. They guarantee through your veterinarian that if your pet gets heartworms when dosed regularly then the manufacturer will pay for the entire heartworm treatment. This does not apply when you purchase from an online pharmacy.
If a life-threatening emergency happens with a medication, your veterinarian is only a phone call away. Some online pharmacies only allow contact through email and this will not help you if your pet needs assistance immediately!
Finally, despite many good businesses online, there will always be a few who are looking for a quick buck at your expense. Avoid sites that offer dramatically lower prices than competing sites or your veterinarian. There are some companies who receive their prescription medication by having licensed veterinarians divert their products to an online source. This practice is unethical and is likely to become illegal. Likewise, if you have ordered medication online, check the drug to make sure it looks identical to what you have given before. If it looks different in any way, do not give it to your pet.
The FDA is so concerned about this, it is now warning pet owners to be aware of shady online companies. And, the National Board of Pharmacies has instituted the Veterinary Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites program (Vet-VIPPS) to help you find properly licensed and compliant online pet pharmacies. Only twelve companies so far have earned the right to display the Vet-VIPPS seal of approval. A recent press release in July, 2012 states that the FDA will be investigating the source of online stores medications. If they find that online stores are receiving medications through diversion, then the stores may lose their licenses.
Check with your veterinarian about online pharmacies. Leland Veterinary Hospital now offers our own online store through our pet portal system, Vetstreet. You can get a pet portal online by clicking the Pet Portal icon on our website: www.myvetonline.com/lelandvh. Once registered, you can order your pet’s medications conveniently from home, and get home delivery and you know that the source is reputable. In addition, you will know who you are talking to in case of any problems or concerns. Honest and open communication with Drs. Brazik, Beauchamp, and Claypool about cost concerns will prevent misunderstandings about money and help you do what’s best for your pet. Our online store is priced competitively with other online sources and the manufacturers guarantee their medications.
Monday, August 6, 2012
Fleas--Who Needs Them?
The Down & Dirty on the Flea Battle
Many of us enjoy snuggling close to our pets and despite mis-guided news reports detailing health risks, most of us will continue to do so.
But, there is a risk of sleeping with pets and it has to do with diseases carried by our old enemy, the flea. So…what’s the best way to shut down this annual pest? Fleas may be one of our pets’ worst enemies, but they don’t have to conquer your pet or your home.
By: David G. Beauchamp, DVM
At Leland Veterinary Hospital, Drs. Beauchamp, Brazik, and Claypool agree that fleas are one of the most common skin problems affecting dogs and cats in our area. Read on to learn more about this pest and how to control it.
The most common type of flea in the U.S. is the Ctenocephalides felis…or the Cat Flea. Despite its name, this species will feed from cats, dogs and even humans. . These wingless insects attack both people and pets and feed by drawing blood from their host.
While most people relate to the irritation of flea bites, fleas can transmit more serious diseases. Flea allergy dermatitis is certainly the most common problem associated with fleas, but they can also transmit Bubonic Plague, tapeworms and Feline Infectious Anemia.
The challenge of winning the flea battle lies in understanding the flea’s life stages, then attacking all levels of the life cycle.
A single female flea can lay 20-50 eggs at a time, creating over 2000 fleas in her life span of three months. With just 25 adult female fleas that equates to more than a quarter of a million fleas in only 30 days!
The non-sticky eggs fall off the pet, ending up in your carpeting, pet bedding or furniture upholstery. Outdoor environments such as leaf litter, lawn or mulch in moist and shady areas are also ideal environments for egg incubation.
Flea eggs hatch after 1-10 days (depending on the temperature and level of humidity) into larvae. These larvae feed off flea feces and debris, then molts three times in a 5-25 day period before spinning a cocoon (pupae). The flea pupae then hatch in as few as 5-9 days to the fully formed adult….OR they can remain dormant for up to five months.
Adult fleas comprise only about 5% of the entire flea population. The remaining 95% consists of eggs, larvae and cocoons in the pet’s environment. It’s easy to see how the flea can quickly invade and even overrun your home.
Expert “Flea Guru”, Dr. Michael Dryden recommends a combination of products and procedures. The very important first step is a visit to your veterinarian. “You can beat the fleas, but you have to purchase the right products.” Flea products obtained from a veterinarian have been proven effective through rigorous testing. Topically applied products like Vectra, Advantix, & Revolution have worked well in the battle against the flea as has the orally administered pills, Capstar and Comfortis. With the rapid life cycle of the flea, the product must have a kill ratio of 90-95% to be considered effective. Anything less will not do the job completely.
Dr. Dryden continues “That’s not the case for (generally less expensive) over-the- counter products. Natural and organic doesn’t necessarily mean safe. I’m all for green and saving the planet. But I am also all for using a product which is proven safe for my pets.”
Shampoos and collars are less effective and in some cases can even cause harm to your pet. For example, the wrong dose of your dog’s flea product can have devastating and even life-threatening results if given to your cat. It may sound silly, but the EPA estimates that this mistake happens thousands of times every year!
Once the flea does appear, Dr. Dryden promotes a 3-part plan. The first step: eradicate the existing fleas on your pet. Proper product usage is very important and, remember, one dose won’t eliminate all the different stages.
Secondly, it’s necessary to ensure that you have rid the premises of the fleas. Use products that contain Insect Growth Regulators (IGRs) to kill flea eggs and larvae. Your outdoor environment may need to be professionally treated. You need to regularly clean the indoor areas frequented by your pets.
Treat ALL dogs and cats….not just the affected pet. And all pets should be treated for at least three to six months to ensure total elimination. .
Thirdly, prevent new infestations with lifelong flea control. Using a veterinarian recommended flea product will kill all levels of the flea infestation. If the flea can’t reproduce, it will become extinct. However, if even one cycle of flea prevention is missed, the battle will continue.
Knowing how to combat fleas is really more than half the battle. And although they are hardy little critters, we do have safe effective products to fight these bugs. Ask your veterinarian for product recommendations and advice.
To learn more about flea control, check out our website: www.myvetonline.com/lelandvh.
Like us on Facebook.
Dr. David Beauchamp is owner and veterinarian at Leland Veterinary Hospital, 508 Village Rd, Leland, North Carolina.
You can email the practice at lelandvethosp@gmail.com
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