Cat and dog fleas are almost always like that Ctenocephalydes spp., can live from 6 to 8 months and have a cycle represented by a free life phase and a real parasitic life phase. They can be found in the animal usually for about 5 hours a day, due to the presence of excrements similar to grains of sand.
On the animal, the male and female fleas mate and the female deposits the eggs, these fall on the ground and accumulate mainly where the animal spends the most time. Once they have fallen, the eggs hatch and release the larvae, which live on the ground and find an excellent breeding ground in rugs and carpets; after some time, the larvae mutate into pupae, then into adult fleas which can fast for a few days, before jumping on the animal to feed on the blood.
Fleas: Symptoms and Disorders
When fleas are present, the animal tends to be nervous, bites and scratches, and the saliva of the flea can cause allergies.
Fleas can cause damage to the animal by direct action, that is causing itching with serious consequences, up to the difficulty of feeding, or by allergic reaction.
Flea allergy dermatitis is one of the major allergic diseases found in cats and dogs. As anticipated, it is due to the fact that some animals are allergic to flea saliva. Saliva contains a haptenic substance that appears to connect with the skin's collagen and form an antigenic complex. Thymus-dependent lymphocytes become sensitized and upon subsequent contact develop an allergic reaction due to delayed hypersensitivity. This reaction damages skin cells that emit lysozymes and other substances that induce the clinical symptoms of itching and erythema.
When a flea bites an allergic person, he develops a severe itch especially in the hips, lumbar and sacral region and the inner thigh.
The animal often sheds its hair in these regions and develops even very serious skin infections. Finally, fleas can be a vehicle for possible secondary bacteria or parasites.
they are blood-sucking parasites; they are located at the level of the head, neck and interdigital spaces.Veterinary prophylaxis requires an "anti-parasitic action of the animal" by means of sprays or powders. The extraction of the tick from the body of the animal must be done very carefully, avoiding breaking the body of the latter, which would remain inside the animal causing infection. and pyrethroids, which are marketed in spot-on solutions, topical products, collars, etc.
These are effective solutions, which however have some drawbacks:
- They are toxic to some categories of animals.
- They are toxic to puppies.
- They release toxic substances where the animal lives; therefore, if the animal lives in the house, it could disperse the pesticide on the bed, on the sofa, etc., thus creating a problem for the human being.
To find out which pesticide is best suited to your pet and the safest one for humans, it is advisable to contact your trusted veterinarian, who will certainly be able to recommend the most suitable product for your needs.
Herbal Remedies for Fleas, Lice and Ticks
Even in the care of pets, herbal remedies can represent a valid alternative to synthetic drugs, often burdened by heavy side effects.
Against fleas, lice and ticks, it is possible, for example, to use essential oils with bactericidal, parasiticidal, cicatrizing and insect-repellent properties; among the most famous are those of lemongrass, lavender, eucalyptus, thyme, geranium and Neem oil.
However, it is important to consider that herbal medicine is not free from risks and side effects, which are quite important when essential oils are used improperly. It is therefore recommended to use commercial products, avoiding "do it yourself", especially for non-experts on the subject.
These products should be applied to the dog and cat on the regions of the body most easily attacked by fleas, lice and ticks, namely the limbs, the axillary hollow, the groin, the lower part of the chest and abdomen, the neck and the ears Better if applied before leaving the house for a walk in order to fully benefit from their insect-repellent effect.
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