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Fleas...Persistence or Resistance?
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AMERICAN VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION
Bernadine Cruz, DVM posted:
Fleas....what a itchy pain in the bum! Some pets are so sensitive, that it takes only one flea bite to set off a vicious cycle of itching, biting, scratching and torment. Flea control is so much easier and safer than it was just a few years ago. There are times that no matter what a pet owner does, they just don't seem to be able to get on top of the problem. Understanding the flea life cycle is critical to optimizing the chances of keeping fleas under control and off you and your pet.

Rather than trusting your neighbor, the kid at the pet store or some obscure internet site, browse the many articles at Companion Animal Parasite Council (www.capcvet.org) for everything you ever wanted to know about fleas (and lots of other bugs) but were afraid to ask.

Fleas, ticks, internal and external parasites can spread diseases to your pets and family. Keep your entire family safe. Ask your veterinarian for safe and effective parasite control products.

A health tip from Dr. Bernadine
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4 Replies |Report This| Share this:Fleas...Persistence or Resistance?Fleas....what a itchy pain in the bum! Some pets are so sensitive, that it takes only one flea bite to set off a vicious cycle of itching, biting, scratching and torment. Flea control is so much easier and safer than it was just a few years ago. There are times that no matter what a pet owner does, they just don't seem to be able to get on top of the problem. Understanding the flea life cycle is critical to optimizing the chances of keeping fleas under control and off you and your pet. <br /><br />Rather than trusting your neighbor, the kid at the pet store or some obscure internet site, browse the many articles at Companion Animal Parasite Council (www.capcvet.org) for everything you ever wanted to know about fleas (and lots of other bugs) but were afraid to ask.<br /><br />Fleas, ticks, internal and external parasites can spread diseases to your pets and family. Keep your entire family safe. Ask your veterinarian for safe and effective parasite control products.<br /><br />A health tip from Dr. Bernadine
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missyotter2 responded:
I just want to pass along a warning to cat owners to be sure and have your cat thoroughly examined by your vet before you administer any of those flea products like Advantage, or Revolution. My cat had transient diabetes from taking steroids for IBS. I did not realize he was sick because he was just beginning to show symptoms. I put some Revolution on his neck and two days later he was throwing up and running a fever. His liver enzymes were very elevated. We did not make the connection until it happened a second time a year later. This time he had a urinary tract infection. When I put the Revolution on, he started running a 105 temp and vomiting and had very high liver enzymes. After antibiotics, he was fine. Pkg. label warns not to put on sick animals. I didn't know he was sick. Be careful with these products. See the vet first.
Report This| Share this:Fleas...Persistence or Resistance?I just want to pass along a warning to cat owners to be sure and have your cat thoroughly examined by your vet before you administer any of those flea products like Advantage, or Revolution. My cat had transient diabetes from taking steroids for IBS. I did not realize he was sick because he was just beginning to show symptoms. I put some Revolution on his neck and two days later he was throwing up and running a fever. His liver enzymes were very elevated. We did not make the connection until it happened a second time a year later. This time he had a urinary tract infection. When I put the Revolution on, he started running a 105 temp and vomiting and had very high liver enzymes. After antibiotics, he was fine. Pkg. label warns not to put on sick animals. I didn't know he was sick. Be careful with these products. See the vet first.
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gogogrammy47 responded:
This tip is helpful but why doesn't anyone discuss the mite
called "Walking Dandruff" that can be spread amoung dogs,
cats and humans and is as painful as flea bites, no one
discusses it or has recommendations, other than our hairdresser that said try witch hazel, how about the vets comments?
Walden 10, 5 humans, 3 cats, 2 dogs.
Report This| Share this:Fleas...Persistence or Resistance?This tip is helpful but why doesn't anyone discuss the mite<br />called "Walking Dandruff" that can be spread amoung dogs,<br />cats and humans and is as painful as flea bites, no one<br />discusses it or has recommendations, other than our hairdresser that said try witch hazel, how about the vets comments?<br />Walden 10, 5 humans, 3 cats, 2 dogs.
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laura2gemini2 replied to gogogrammy47's response:
That kinda sounds like a type of mange.

You may have to have the vet do a skin scrape to see what kind of critter it is and how to treat it.

And definitly ask a vet before using witch hazel on animals, just in case thats one of those odd things that can be bad for them.
Report This| Share this:Fleas...Persistence or Resistance?That kinda sounds like a type of mange. <br /><br />You may have to have the vet do a skin scrape to see what kind of critter it is and how to treat it.<br /><br />And definitly ask a vet before using witch hazel on animals, just in case thats one of those odd things that can be bad for them.
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AMERICAN VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION
Bernadine Cruz, DVM replied to gogogrammy47's response:
Dear Gogogrammy47,
Thanks for bringing this issue to the exchange. Walking dandruff is also known as Cheyletiellosis. It is a mite that lives on the skin. It can be a cause of itching and scaling. You are correct that it is contagious to other pets and people. It is pretty easy to diagnose by looking at the scales on the skin under a microscope. The insect is pretty easy to eradicate with good flea control. If a case is suspect, see your veterinarian and increase your flea control on all pets in the household.
Dr. Bernadine
Report This| Share this:Fleas...Persistence or Resistance?Dear Gogogrammy47,<br />Thanks for bringing this issue to the exchange. Walking dandruff is also known as Cheyletiellosis. It is a mite that lives on the skin. It can be a cause of itching and scaling. You are correct that it is contagious to other pets and people. It is pretty easy to diagnose by looking at the scales on the skin under a microscope. The insect is pretty easy to eradicate with good flea control. If a case is suspect, see your veterinarian and increase your flea control on all pets in the household.<br />Dr. Bernadine
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