Monroe Chat

Getting itchy welts? Your pets itching excessively? If you aren't sure you have fleas, check for flea dirt - tiny black specs the size of a pin head. Take a flea comb or simply rub the fur the opposite direction on your pet behind the ears, the base of the tail, their stomach or check out their bedding. See tiny black spots? That's probably flea dirt (excrement). The easiest way to verify the presence of fleas is to take one of the black specs on your finger tip and apply a drop of water. If it turns red within a few seconds, you have fleas.

They multiply very fast so it's important to control them on your pet and vacuum frequently with a new bag. Kittens and puppies that are infested with fleas can die a horrible death. The fleas literally rob them of their blood and they go into anemic shock.

There are many good flea products such as Frontline Plus and Revolution (we've heard reports of fleas becoming immune to Advantage) but they must be used with caution. NEVER give a cat meds made for a dog and vice versus. Also, we've seen cats (and dogs - mine is one) get a little "buggy" or extremely nervous after being treated with these medications. If there are many fleas it could simply be the bugs biting or it could be your pet is having a reaction. Please talk to your vet if you have any concerns!!!!!!!!

And only buy meds directly from your vet. Many over the counter flea meds simply don't work and he or she knows your pet best. If there is a severe infestation, there is a pill called Capstar that will rid your pet of fleas with an hour. Again, ask your vet.

Reprinted with permission from the ASPCA:

Popular Flea Products Can Hurt Your Cat

In light of recent government scrutiny of flea and tick products, the ASPCA is cautioning pet parents to use care when applying any over-the-counter or prescription flea and tick solutions. Spot-on productstopical insecticides applied to the skingenerally kill fleas and ticks by targeting their nervous systems. But if misapplied, these products can have devastating consequences for our furry friends.

According to new data from the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, when cats are treated properly and according to label directions, fewer than 2% experience major illness, while nearly 20% suffer major problems when the solution is used incorrectly.

Cats especially are extremely sensitive to insecticides, says Dr. Steven Hansen, ASPCA Veterinary Toxicologist and Senior Vice President of Animal Health Services. Just a few drops of concentrated permethrin, present in many spot-on treatments designed for dogs, can be lethal to cats.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which regulates topical pet treatments, says the number of reported incidents from spot-on flea and tick treatments increased more than 50% in 2008. As a result of the increase, the EPA announced last month that its evaluating all spot-on products.

Heres some advice for keeping your pet safe from fleas and insecticides this summer:

Confirm your pet has fleas by identifying common signs such as scabs, excessive scratching and droppings (known as flea dirt) in your pets coat.
Talk to your vet about choosing the right, species-specific flea treatment for your pet and never use products made for dogs on cats, and vice versa.
Avoid applying flea powders and sprays in addition to a spot-on treatmentthe chemicals in different products can have adverse reactions with each other.
Clean your house, including rugs, bedding and upholstery, and discard any used vacuum bags. Since fleas love long, unkempt grass, remember to treat and maintain your yard as carefully as your home.
If you suspect your pet is having a reaction from a flea infestation or topical flea and tick product, please contact your veterinarian immediately.