Itchy Pets?
August 28, 2024
August is officially ‘Itchy Pet Awareness Month’ so we’ve been sharing some info on our social media regarding some of the key pests that can affect our pets:
Fleas
This is probably the most common problem for our domestic pets and can be a real pain to get rid of. Understanding the lifecycle of a flea can help – find out more on our website here.
Humid weather makes an ideal breeding ground for fleas (and this also includes when we all put our heating back on!) who will jump onto your pet to feed, so a prescription strength anti-parasitic treatment is the best tool we have to prevent infestations in your home.
Fleas feed on blood so young or elderly dogs or cats can become weak or even anaemic with prolonged flea infestations but of course, all pets find them very itchy and uncomfortable and the constant itching can cause sores on their skin which can become infected over time.
Routine flea prevention treatments are included with our Lifetime Care Club membership – find out more here.
Mites
Although there are many species of mites, the main ones we see in practice are harvest mites, canine scabies and ear mites.
Harvest mites are common at this time of year and are red/orange in colour. They are picked up in the environment and their bite leaves behind enzymes that cause itching. You may even see some on your own legs/ankles and feel the same!
The good news is that their lifecycle is 10-14 days so may not require any treatment. There are a few parasite treatments that will kill Harvest mites (included with our Lifetime Care Club).
Ear mites are most common in puppies and kittens (although dogs and cats can get them at any age) and they are usually transmitted between infected animals. They cause intensely itchy ears and often lead to ear infections. Your pet will be regularly trying to scratch their ears, rubbing them on the ground or shaking their head.
Ear drops are available to treat infestation but these must be prescribed by a vet and are usually needed for around 3 weeks to ensure any eggs do not hatch.
Canine Scabies is a form of mange cause by a parasite and spread through contact. Skin often becomes red and crusty with hair loss and intense itching, often around ears, elbows and ankles. Scabies can sometimes spread to humans and so direct touch should be avoided.
Treatment is usually via a specific medicated shampoo and dip and should be used on all animals (including cats) that are in regular contact with the infected pet. This may need to be repeated and further treatment may be required if any skin areas have become inflamed.
Lice
Lice are small insects often found in fur and louse species typically stay with their host mammal (e.g. cat to cat or dog to dog) and do not cross species. They can however live on fabrics and bedding and often lay eggs in these areas.
Female lice glue their eggs (nits) to your pet’s hair (near to the skin) and washing alone is not enough to remove them. Therefore treatment via specific products is required and these are available in spot-on, shampoo or sprays and should be used on all pets in contact with the infected host.
Right, now we are all feeling itchy, we’d like to reassure you that severe infestations from these pests are quite rare, provided you react promptly to noticing your pet’s repeated scratching and identify the cause/commence treatment. Please do give us a call if you are concerned!
