Texas summers bring the increased likelihood of fleas, tapeworms and dermatitis in pets. Milder temperatures and increased humidity provide ideal conditions for survival and increased reproduction rates for these pests. Fortunately, there are many safe and effective flea, tapeworm and dermatitis products that can help control these.
Fleas, Tapeworms and Dermatitis in Pets
Tapeworms Prevention
Tapeworms are pretty common internal parasites in dogs. Any worm infection can make your dog uncomfortable. However, some, such as hookworms, can even prove to be fatal in younger dogs and puppies.
If you notice any of the following signs of tapeworms, contact us immediately:
- Weight loss
- Diarrhea (may be bloody)
- A change in appetite
- A dry, coarse coat
- Scooting on bottom
- A general poor appearance
- Vomiting (especially true for roundworms)
We recommend the following to reduce the likelihood of tapeworms:
- Control fleas on your pet, and in their indoor and outdoor environments.
- Contact All Pets to treat your pets promptly if they have tapeworms.
- Clean up after your pet, particularly in playgrounds and public parks. Also, you can bury the feces, or place it in a plastic bag and dispose of it in the trash.
- Don’t allow children to play in areas with pet or other animal feces.
- Teach children to always wash their hands after playing with dogs and cats, and after playing outdoors.
- Keep your dog away from dead animals and garbage.
How to Prevent Fleas
It takes only three weeks for one flea to turn into a massive infestation of 1,000 bugs. Fleas are a pretty common canine issue, but thankfully they are pretty easy to get rid of as well.
Symptoms of fleas may include the following:
- Hair loss
- Allergic response resulting from contact (known as allergic dermatitis)
- Excessive licking, scratching or biting at the skin
- Tapeworms (they are typically transferred by fleas)
- Flea dirt, which looks like tiny black dots on your dog’s skin
You can prevent fleas by putting your pets on a preventative product. Numerous flea treatment products are available in many forms.
These flea treatment products can include the following:
- topical spot-ons
- oral tablets or liquids
- collars
Most of these products work by paralyzing the nervous system of the flea, which results in rapid death. Our team here at All Pets can help you determine which is the best option for you pet.
Dermatitis Treatment Options
Dermatitis is an inflammatory, chronic skin disease associated with allergies.
Allergic reactions can occur from the following substances:
- grass
- mold spores
- house dust mites
- parasites
- other environmental allergies
Dogs typically show signs of the disease between 3 months and 6 years of age. However, atopic dermatitis can be so mild that it doesn’t become clinically apparent before the third year. Signs of dermatitis typically include itching, scratching, rubbing and licking, particularly around the face, paws and underarms.
Contact us with the link below for more information, or to schedule your appointment with us!
