Megan le Roux of Cape Town writes: Is it necessary to maintain tick and flea treatments in winter and how do I deal with an infestation at home?
Dr Tarryn Dent of Zoetis replies: Tick and flea prevention should be a year-round priority. Even if you live in an urban area, your cat or dog is still at risk of picking up parasites.
Ticks and fleas are not only present in the veld but also in clean homes, gardens and parks. Once parasites have taken hold, they tend to multiply quickly. A female flea can lay dozens of eggs per day, which can quickly lead to a home infestation if not controlled!
After a walk… If you see a tick on your dog, remove it quickly (see below). Use a flea comb to remove visible fleas and check the neck, belly and base of the tail. If necessary, wash your pet’s bedding and vacuum carpets, upholstery and soft furnishings thoroughly.
How to remove a tick: Use fine-tipped tweezers or a tick-removal tool to grasp the tick as close to your pet’s skin as possible. Pull it out slowly without twisting or squeezing the tick.
Thereafter, clean the area with antiseptic and wash your hands thoroughly. Avoid home remedies such as petroleum jelly, nail polish, alcohol or burning the tick, as these methods may stress the tick and increase the risk of disease transmission.
Treating a home infestation: Pets and the home environment should be treated at the same time. Start by ensuring that all pets in the household receive a vet-recommended flea-control product.
Thoroughly vacuum carpets, rugs, furniture, skirting boards and pet sleeping areas daily for several days, carefully disposing of vacuum contents afterwards. Wash pet bedding, blankets and soft furnishings in hot water where possible.
Because flea eggs and larvae can survive in the environment for weeks or even months, ongoing treatment and cleaning is essential.
In severe cases, professional pest control may be necessary. However, preventative flea treatment throughout the year can help prevent infestations from developing in the first place.
IMPORTANT: Some parasites and the infections they carry can also affect people. That’s why prevention, including worm treatment, matters not only for your pets’ wellbeing but for that of the whole household.
CONTACT zoetis.co.za
