Your pet scratches more than usual, bites at its back, or you find a tick on it when you return from the countryside. Ectoparasites are among the most common problems in dogs and cats, and not just because of the itching: some transmit diseases that can be serious. Detecting them early and maintaining prevention is much easier than dealing with an infestation.
Fleas
They are small, dark, and very fast, so they are often not seen. What you can see is their trail:
- Itching and scratching, especially around the tail, the back, and the back of the thighs.
- Black specks in the fur, which are their droppings. Tip: put them on a damp white paper. If they dissolve into a reddish color, they are flea feces, because they contain digested blood.
- Wounds or bald patches from scratching. Some animals are allergic to the bite and get very itchy with just a few fleas.
A fine-toothed comb is the best tool to check them. And an important fact: fleas can transmit a type of tapeworm if the animal swallows one while grooming.
Why should the home also be treated?
The adult fleas you see on your pet are only part of the problem. The majority of the population is in the environment in the form of eggs, larvae, and pupae: in beds, rugs, sofas, and crevices. That is why, if there are fleas:
- Treat all the dogs and cats in the house at the same time, even if only one is scratching.
- Wash beds, blankets, and covers with hot water.
- Vacuum thoroughly and frequently floors, rugs, and sofas for several weeks, and empty the bag or container outside the house.
- Be patient. New fleas may continue to appear for a few weeks as they emerge from the pupae in the environment.
Ticks
They attach themselves especially during walks in the countryside, parks with tall grass, and areas with other animals. Look for them when you return, running your fingers over the ears, neck, armpits, groin, and between the toes. They can transmit diseases such as babesiosis or ehrlichiosis in dogs, so it is best to remove them as soon as possible.
How to remove a tick:
- Use a tick remover or fine tweezers and grab it as close to the skin as possible.
- Remove it with a firm and continuous movement (or by twisting, if you use a tick hook), without squeezing its body.
- Do not put oil, alcohol, or heat on it before removing it: it can cause it to regurgitate into the wound.
- Disinfect the area and monitor it in the following days. If you see fever, lethargy, lack of appetite, or limping, go to the vet.
Mites and mange
Mites are microscopic, so you will not see them. Suspect if there is intense itching, hair loss, scabs, or flaking, or if your cat scratches its ears a lot and has dark wax (ear mites are common in kittens). There are different types of mange: sarcoptic mange is highly contagious, also to people, while demodectic mange is not contagious. Only the vet can know which one it is, with a skin scraping or a sample.
Mosquitoes and sandflies
In much of Spain, you also have to think about insects that are not seen in the fur. The sandfly, a very small mosquito, transmits leishmaniasis, and other mosquitoes can transmit filariasis or “heartworm.” Some external antiparasitics include a repellent effect against them, and your vet will tell you if it is advisable in your area.
Year-round prevention
With mild winters and heating at home, fleas and ticks are no longer just a summer thing. There are spot-ons, collars, and tablets, with different durations. The most suitable one depends on the species, weight, age, if they bathe often, or if they live with children or other animals, so the ideal is to choose it with the vet.
A warning that should not be forgotten: never use a dog antiparasitic on a cat. Some contain permethrin, which is very toxic to cats even in small quantities. And if they live together, also ask about contact between them right after applying it.
Regular brushing is your best ally to detect any problem early. In our dog grooming and hygiene section you have brushes and combs to check their fur at home.
You may also be interested in: cat hygiene.