Fleas and Ticks
Today, we will discuss blood-sucking parasites that can cause disease, cost you tons of money, and are incredibly difficult to get rid of—the government.
"Kidding (sort of). While there are countless other internal and external parasites, fleas and ticks cause many of the sick visits that veterinarians see."
Owners spend more time and money treating these than almost any other disease. The difference? Unlike arthritis or cancer, these are entirely preventable.
1. Fleas: The tiny ninjas
The Science There are several types of fleas, but the Cat Flea (Ctenocephalides felis for my fellow nerds) is the most common offender.
The Problem: 90% of the flea life cycle happens off your pet. The eggs and larvae live in your carpet, cracks in hardwood floors, and bedding.
The Cycle: Click here to see the full life cycle.
Common Excuses (and why they are wrong):
"But I only saw one flea!"
Reality: Fleas lay ~40 eggs daily. If you see one, there are hundreds more hiding.
"I gave them a bath!"
Reality: Fleas have a pupal stage where they are nearly invincible for months. A single bath won't cut it.
"I treated the dog, but not the cat."
Reality: They share a house. You must treat everyone.
"I use lavender/peppermint oil."
Reality: Why do you still see fleas? Because essential oils don't work.
Why care? Besides being gross, they cause:
Flea Allergy Dermatitis: The #1 cause of itching.
Diseases: Tapeworms (the rice grains on their butt), Bartonella, and Anemia (which can be fatal in small kittens).
2. Ticks: The Hikers
In Michigan, we have five species of ticks, and I hate them all.
American Dog Tick: The most common one I see.
Black-Legged Tick (Deer Tick): My least favorite.
The Danger: Lyme Disease This disease has exploded in our area.
The Damage: It causes kidney failure and severe joint pain.
The Check: Your annual heartworm test also screens for Lyme, Anaplasma, and Ehrlichia.
The Myth: "Ticks aren't out in winter."
Reality: Ticks are active any time it is above freezing.
How to Remove a Tick (Don't Panic)
Grab: Use tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible.
Pull: Pull upward with steady, even pressure. (Do not twist!).
Clean: Clean the bite area with rubbing alcohol or soap and water.
Note: Do NOT use a match, Vaseline, or nail polish. These old wives' tales make the tick vomit into your pet (gross, and dangerous).
3. Prevention: Pick Your Poison
In our region, pets need to be on year-round prevention.
The "Big Pharma" Fear: Modern preventatives (Simparica Trio, Bravecto, NexGard) are incredibly safe and effective.
The "Seizure" Warning: While the active ingredient can lower the seizure threshold, this is rare. If your dog already has seizures, talk to us—we have other options.
The Cost: Yes, prevention is expensive (~$20/month). But treating Lyme disease or a severe flea infestation costs hundreds to thousands.
A Final Warning: NEVER use dog prevention on a cat. Permethrin (found in many dog products) is highly toxic to cats and causes severe tremors and death. Always ask us before applying anything you bought at the grocery store.
