PETA expert gives tips on prevention
and treatment of flea infestation in dogs and cats
Stuttgart. The days get warmer and slowly, people and animals spend more time in the fresh air again. This also increases the risk of flea infestation, which can be quite annoying. Because fleas are difficult to fight and very uncomfortable for affected animals and their surroundings. For this reason, dogs and cats should be protected from the blood -sucking insects. PETA specialist officer Björn Thun has put together tips for animal-keeping.
“Flea infestation is not uncommon in animals that take walks in nature. The ever warmer winter and milder temperatures also ensure that so -called parasites remain active longer and become active again earlier,” said Björn Thun. “If fleas are in the house, it can be quite difficult to get animals and, above all, their surroundings again.
What do fleas look like?
Fleas are tiny, about two millimeters tall, mostly brown insects. They move quickly between the hair on the skin of animal roommates – and thanks to their strong hind legs, they can jump amazingly far.
How is a flea infestation?
Suddenly occurring stronger itching can be a warning sign. Some animals react allergically to the flea stitches and regularly scratch their bloody. In some cases, the so -called parasites can also be recognized directly in the fur of the dogs and cats. Flea bites are often close together and are expressed in so -called cuffs, which can be found as red pustules that appear in groups on the skin of the animals. Roots, swelling and hair loss are also possible in the affected areas.
So a flea infestation can be seen
An increased scratch is often the first warning sign. With a flea comb can stroke the end of the animal by the fur, apply the interpreted hair together with the dark “crumbs” on a white cloth, then carefully moisten and spread with a little water. If the crumbs color when spreading reddish brown areas, this can be flea droppings. In this case, professional flea control should be carried out by veterinary specialists.
IMPORTANT: If animals are affected, an infestation of the area is always to be assumed. Because only five percent of the flea population are on the animal, 95 percent of insects live in the area. Fleas lay up to 50 eggs a day, which often fall down in the apartment. Depending on the temperature and humidity, larvae and dolls develop from the eggs over a period of three weeks to 16 months. It is therefore particularly important to clean the apartment thoroughly, to clean intensively, to either renew carpets and animal baskets or to wash at least 60 degrees. Toys should also be washed hot or stored in the freezer for at least ten days.
How can flea infestation prevented?
Advice from veterinary specialists is essential. Dog and cat owners can buy preparations in the practices and also find out about the provision. There are various options-from correspondingly treated collars to spot-on preparations to sprays and various oils. But be careful: some preparations are applicable to dogs without any problems, but they can be life -threatening for cats because the animals have a different metabolism. If cats and dogs live in the same house, make sure that the preparations used are also suitable for cats.
IMPORTANT: Dogs and cats must be dewormed after a flea infestation, because fleas transmit the cucumber tapeworm. Itchy places often give the animals with their mouths, and fleas are swallowed. Fleas carry tapeworm fins that develop into adult tapeworms in the intestine of the host. In rare cases, people can also infect themselves.
Dog hair: Danger for wild birds
Flea remedies can become a fatal danger for birds. Studies show that residues of the medication endanger songbirds if they use treated animal hair for nest construction. In order to protect birds, fugged hair should not leave in nature.