Archives for Dog Fleas category
Author: godwin
It is commonly known that heavy infestation of fleas and ticks contribute to death and disease. It is also known that more deaths and sicknesses are caused by fleas and ticks than are caused by flea killing devices. The sad part of it is that no deaths or severe illnesses should ever be attributed to flea collars. Flea collars and the newer flea control medications can actually prevent deaths and sickness if but a few basic facts are known, and adhered to, by all dog owners. In a recent poll which questioned a large section of dog owners across the United States, more than 90% believe that their dog’s flea collar merely emitted some kind of protective vapor that was repugnant to fleas and ticks, resulting in the pests dying off, due to the lethal vapor, yet without any repercussions on the dog’s health. The fact is, the pesticide in any flea collar device doesn’t just seep through the animal’s fur as a “protective vapor”. Rather, it is absorbed into the bloodstream and metabolized by the liver. This has a strong effect on the animal’s entire system. The active ingredient in such devices is usually dimethyl phosphate. Used according to directions, and in proper quantities, this ingredient is fatal to fleas and ticks. Serious problems can occur when a dog owner simply places such flea killing devices around their dog’s neck without taking the time to read the accompanying directions. Many times, though the directions are read, they simply are not taken seriously, nor are they followed. Most packages containing flea collars or other similar-type pest-fighting devices usually carry a printed caution on the front: “Do not allow children to play with this collar”. The purchaser is then invited to read the additional precautions printed on the reverse side of the package. Over 50% of the dog owners polled about their knowledge of flea collars admitted that they either did not read the directions, or if they did, simply did not pay much attention to them. Be Careful Flea collars should be buckled securely, but not tightly, around the dog’s neck. A collar buckled too tightly will cause greater levels of the active ingredient to be absorbed into the bloodstream of the animal. This condition usually manifests itself by neck irritation, followed by a loss of hair under the collar. When first placing a flea collar on a dog, the owner should observe the neck area for the first few days and be alert for signs of irritation. If irritation occurs, the collar should be removed immediately. Additional precautions on most packages point out that each collar is intended as an insecticide generator and is not to be taken internally by man or animals. One might ask who in his right mind would want to eat a flea collar for breakfast. No “man” in his right mind would, but a dog (especially puppies) might consider such a collar an intriguing chew toy!
Jul 31, 2009 | | Dog Fleas
Author: Dog Science
The UK might be experiencing the highest level of snow for some 20 years, but, just around the corner we’re pretty sure that it will all change. Look at what’s happened to the weather recently… floods, drought, winds, now snow. One thing for sure, the weather in the UK changes pretty frequently, and along with that our pet’s lives have to adjust accordingly. So, many of us won’t really be thinking about preparing for the hot sticky weather in the UK just yet… BUT, it’s likely to be here before we realise. For those with good memories, we often get a spell of great sunny hot weather around Easter week. Which means in a couple of months, we’ll be out on the fields walking in the sun, dogs running round chasing balls, and cats laid on their backs sunbathing in the gardens! Super… But, the nice hot spring/summer weather brings with it a little problem for us pet owners - Fleas & Ticks! There are generally 3 camps when it comes to dealing with the problems of flea/ticks on our pets; 1. People who take precaution 356 days per year and continually apply treatments/poisons to their dogs or cat’s skin/coat no matter what the season. 2. People who only apply flea/tick treatment during the spring/summer warmer seasons and ‘risk it’ without treatment during the cooler months of the year. 3. People who never apply any preventative treatment, and only take action after their dog / cat has actually been infested with fleas or tics. There are various reasons for these differences, such as finance - many flea and tick treatments can be very expensive to apply throughout the year. Other factors may include the desire to avoid using chemicals and poisons on their pet’s skin and coat unless it’s absolutely necessary. Some pet’s are even allergic to the traditional flea and tick treatments such as Frontline Spot-On for example. Others don’t like the fact their their children are at risk from poisoning if they touch the pet during the initial treatment of the flea and tick treatment. I’ve even heard of people who won’t use the chemicals because they’re highly flammable and don’t want to put their cat at risk from burn injuries by coating their skin in such liquids! And lets not forget of course, many flea and tick treatments cannot be used at all on pregnant cats/dogs, or indeed puppies/kittens full stop. There is an alternative to these poisonous, lotions and potions that have traditionally been used on pet’s, in the form of a small harmless natural ultra-sonic treatment for fleas and ticks. These devices are a about the size of a thimble, and they emit ultra-sonic frequencies which are inaudible to humans, cats and dogs.. but are intolerable for fleas and ticks! As such, where ever the device is placed, tests prove that fleas and ticks do not settle within several meters of that area. One particular product, the Skudo Flea and Tick Repeller, actually has a stack of clinical tests and trials behind it, which concludes that they do indeed work!! So they’re not just a ‘gadget’ or ‘gimmick’ like many alternatives on the market. Even better, the battery in the devices lasts for about 12 months! So based upon the purchase price of the device, it is heaps cheaper than purchasing expensive chemicals, powders, lotions and potions that have to be continually applied! The Skudo device simply attaches to the dog/cat’s collar. It remains there until the battery depletes (aprox 1 year) and then is replaced. Now you can’t get much simpler than that!! No more chemical preparation, rubber gloves, keeping kids away from the pet whilst the treatment is still wet etc. In fact these flea and tick repellers appear to tick all the boxes in my experience. They are safe to touch, completely safe for pets (clinically proved), safe for puppies and kittens, and for pregnant pets. They’re non-toxic or poisonous and completely natural, so you’re not poisoning your pet by using them (which is a big bonus in my opinion!). Plus, they last for a whole year without frequent re-application or the fear or ‘wearing off’, so you can be confident your pet is protected the whole year, safe in the knowledge that you’ve also saved some money by not having to keep buying treatments over and over again. My dogs have been wearing a Skudo Flea & Tick repeller for about a year now, and I can honestly say they’ve never had a flea or tick during this period!! And you know what, I cannot say the same about when I was using Frontline Spot-On previous to this… where both dogs ended up with at least one tick in the summer! Another great benefit we’ve found with the Skudo, is that you can also place a second device in a location where you want to generally protect from feas/ticks. Such as near the dog’s bed. Or in the outdoor kennel perhaps. Places where you think there’s a high risk of fleas or ticks… this way, you’re protecting zones where your pets ‘hang out’ as well as having a Skudo on the dog/cat’s collar. This is something quite unique to this form of flea and tick treatment which maybe a breakthrough for some people. So if you are looking for a good method to protect your pets this year from the fleas and ticks that fill many dog and cat owners with fear as the warm weather approaches, then, there is an alternative to Frontline and other chemical poison-based products, which we’ve had GREAT feedback about from customers in the past, called the Skudo Flea & Tick Repeller. We hope this article has been of use to you, and if so, please pass on to other worried pet owners who may be trying to find an alternative natural way of protecting their pets from flea and tick problems this year!
Jul 31, 2009 | | Dog Fleas
Author: Alfred Ngoasheng
This article is meant to help you get into some of the most secret aspects. Being interested in this topic will is a must. Dog fleas are a very common problem in households around the world. As many dogs go out to play, they bring in fleas with them when they come inside. There are many species of dog fleas, though the most common type to live on a dog, ironically, is the cat flea. The cat flea is normally referred to as dog fleas, as this species of flea will feed from just about any type of mammal. Many cat fleas will even feed on birds, should the opportunity arise. Dog fleas are excellent jumpers, which allows them to skip over onto a new host animal easily. This can cause problems for people, as the fleas will climb from a dog to their owner. Flea bites are extremely uncomfortable, causing a red, swelling spot that can itch for up to two weeks. This itchiness commonly occurs regardless of whether or not you are allergic to fleas. If you are allergic to fleas, the bite can be significantly worse and require doctor care to resolve. If you find you have a problem with dog fleas in your home, you should make certain that you treat your pets with either Front Line, Advantage or other anti-flea medications. These medications are highly useful, as they not only protect your dog against bites, they also help kill off the flea populations in your home. There are many ways to get rid of dog fleas from your home if you find yourself facing an infestation. Anti-flea medications on your pet can lower the number of fleas significantly, but this method can take several months to be completed. If you need faster results, you can use flea bombs or flea foggers. These potent, toxic tools can quickly kill a population of fleas in any room if they are used correctly. To be effective, the room has to be entirely sealed off, with air vents being covered and airways surrounding doors and windows being sealed. This can take up to five hours do for each room, depending on how much furniture needs to be protected and how open the chamber is. Dog fleas can also be repelled through use of natural products, such as Citronella, Lemongrass and Cedar. If applied properly, they can form a repelling barrier to prevent fleas from getting in. If you use these in conjunction with flea bombs, you can effectively remove living fleas from a home. However, flea control requires long term care. After all living fleas have been removed, it can take over two years to ensure that every last egg left behind has died. Click Here Thank you for taking you time to read through this information if you’re interested in gathering more knowledge please continue to search this site.
Jul 31, 2009 | | Dog Fleas
Author: John Williams Dog Training
Ok so you want to know about dog fleas, what they do, how they do it, and what dangers you should look out for if you’re suspecting fleas on your dog or in your home.
Well let me start of by saying there is over 2000 different varieties of flea in the world today, the female version of these small little pests can reproduce at the alarming rate of 50 eggs a day max and an average egg count is normally around 20- 30 a day. Fleas can start to lay eggs as soon as 48 hours after having their first blood meal which makes getting rid of these fleas early on essential.
Around half of the flea population are eggs, 30% larvae, 15% pupae and only around 5% of the population are biting adults. These larvae take anywhere from a week to a month to become biting fleas and as you can see by the stats, the key to stopping your flea problem and letting your dog get a good night sleep again is through getting rid of the eggs.
Fleas can’t reproduce without a blood meal from your dog or another animal but can survive for long periods of time (2 months to a year) in hibernation without a meal but usually they will die off within one week without hibernation.
They key places to look out for fleas are near your dog’s bed or under bushes outside that your pet sleeps or rests. Anywhere your dog lies for long periods of time are key areas for fleas to live.
To check for fleas on your dog you will first have probably noticed your dog being very restless and uncomfortable, so the next step is to search for flea faeces, this will look like small bits of dirt to the human eye and rubbing it between your fingers with some water will bring out the red colour of blood if it is flea faeces.
Once you have found evidence of flea faeces you are now ready to move on to the next big step and get rid of the pests that are making your dog feel so uncomfortable.
Jul 31, 2009 | | Dog Fleas
Author: AnneMing
Fleas are one of the biggest problems pet owners encounter with their dogs. Fleas are quite easy to acquire, especially when they are in season. There are different types of dog flea cures and medicines available in the market today. Some involve the use of oral drugs while others are topical treatments. Fleas jump from one dog to another. This is the main reason why it is quite easy to acquire them. One of the best ways you can keep your dogs from being infested with fleas is to take some preventive measures. But how do you really choose the medicine or device to ward off fleas? The surest way to go about the problem is to talk to your veterinarian about it. However, this could mean additional fees for you. If you’re quite on a budget and can’t possibly add vet bills to your monthly finances, you are better off researching to find out the best possible cure for your pet. When choosing among the many dog flea cures available in the market today, it is best that you first determine how much your dog has been infected with the parasite. Try to skim through the fur of your dog. How many fleas can you possibly find on its hair? If you can see much, your dog is most likely suffering from moderate to severe flea problems. Try to go to a pet center and inspect the products you can use. One of the suggested cures is dog flea shampoos. Since you can’t go to the vet for consultation, don’t give your dog oral medications. Reserve this step for later, right when you’re ready to see the vet. Dog flea dips are best used along your choice of dog flea shampoo. This way, your dog would recover faster. Dips are normally used after bathing. You can either apply the dip with the use of a sponge all over the body of your dog, or simply pour the formulation over your pet. The idea is to cover the coat of your dog with it to fully eradicate the fleas. There are also flea foams, sprays, and powders available in the market today. You can use any one of them at any time of the day to boost your dog’s protection from fleas. These cures are used in the same way you use sprays, powders, and foams on yourself. Sprinkle dog flea powder on your pet during the mornings or after bathing so it won’t acquire fleas throughout the day. Same goes for sprays and foams. Dog flea foams are like hair mousse. It is supposed to be applied on the hair of your pet to ward away fleas. There are also dog flea oils available. Try to use it as maintenance for your pet. Even if you see that your dog don’t have any fleas anymore, apply dog flea solutions to it so that you can have peace of mind that your dog won’t suffer from these insects at any point.
Jul 31, 2009 | | Dog Fleas