Fleas are the most common canine parasites. A pet can catch them at any time of the year, during walks or through contact with another animal. Flea infestation is not only troublesome, but also, due to the diseases they cause, is a potential threat to pets and their owners. For this reason, it becomes extremely important to provide dogs with effective protection against these unwanted guests. Fleas in a dog ... so how do you get rid of them?
Fleas in dogs are small-sized external parasites of wild and domestic mammals. Their hosts can be, among others, dogs, cats, rabbits, rats, foxes. They themselves can act as an intermediate host for parasitic worms such as: the double-pore tapeworm (Dipylidium caninum) or the nematode (Acanthocheilonema reconditum). The life cycle of Ctenocephalides canis consists of four stages: egg, larva (three larval stages), pupa and adult. A flea egg is 0,1-0,5 mm long, oval, smooth, white-pearl in color. Under optimal conditions, i.e. at a temperature of 25 ° C and a relative humidity of 75%, the eggs hatch within 3-4 days. It may take up to a week under less favorable circumstances.
The larvae hatched from the eggs are white, oblong and have numerous hairs. They use well-developed mandibles to swallow blood-rich feces collected by adult females. Under favorable conditions, it takes about 10 days for the larvae to pass through the three larval stages and develop into chrysalises. Usually, however, this period lasts up to 3 weeks. In the first stage, they are about 1,5 mm in length, while in the last stage of development, they are 4-5 mm. Then the larvae use their silk glands to build a cocoon that protects the pupa. Initially, the pupae are white, later they turn dark brown. Adults hatch from pupae usually after a week. They are 2,0 - 3,25 mm long, covered with a hard cuticle, with bristles or teeth. They have strongly developed legs, providing them with great jumping ability and a well-developed stabbing and sucking mouth organ.
Canine fleas can act as intermediate hosts for double or canine tapeworm, rodent tapeworm and dwarf tapeworm. The larval stage fleas ingest the tapeworm eggs that hatch in the intestines. The tapeworm continues to develop as the flea progresses to the next adult stage. A dog can become infected with a tapeworm by eating a flea that contains a tapeworm cyst. This situation usually occurs when the pet looks after itself.
A tetrapod infected with tapeworm most often shows symptoms in the form of: irritability, anxiety, weight loss, insomnia and abdominal pain. Usually there is itching around the anus, purulent eyes, vomiting, diarrhea, and weakness. An important indicator of infection is the tapeworm segments that appear in the stool. The therapy is not complicated and consists in taking appropriately selected anti-parasitic drugs in the form of tablets or injections. The dog flea is also the main host for the nematode. A dog can develop a mild condition called filariasis as a consequence of being bitten by a flea infected with a nematode. Tetrapods, which have sensitive skin, may also develop an allergic reaction to the saliva of an adult flea, with spots of purple lumps or swelling (most often around the tail). Dermatitis conditions after a flea bite are generally treated with ointments.
Before starting the fight against parasites, it is worth making sure that you are dealing with a flea infestation. Dogs, like other animals, scratch themselves for a variety of reasons. In addition to the characteristic bite marks, we can observe black spots on the carpet, the pet's bedding or the white socks we wear. An effective home flea control program should be multi-faceted. We must take care of both the pet and its environment. Baths with an insecticide should be used. Then, to remove adults, brush the dog's coat frequently and thoroughly with a metal comb.
However, remember to consult a veterinarian about the health of your dog before using any insecticide, especially in the case of a breed prone to skin allergy. We can use shampoos and sprays, topical insecticides, insect growth regulators (IGRs) and oral antiparasitic agents that are absorbed into the host's bloodstream and kill adult fleas. IGR products can be used in the environment of flea larvae, by spraying them or in the form of application to the dog's skin (for topical or spot application). The preparations significantly hinder the proper growth of the larvae and thus prevent the transformation of the larvae into adult individuals. At the same time, you need to take care of the places where your pet sleeps or rests. All rugs in the house should be thoroughly vacuumed, the dog's bedding and blankets should be washed. It is also worth using insecticides in these places.
There are various preparations available on the market that provide adequate protection against parasites: spot-on (application to the neck), sprays, tablets and collars. It is important that this protection is matched to the individual needs of the pet. First of all, attention should be paid to safety, and only secondly to effectiveness. We must take into account the health condition, age, body weight, type of physical activity, the condition of the coat and the individual predispositions of the pet. It is extremely important to follow the recommendations in the proper use of the substance and to be disciplined in administering the next doses of the preparation.
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