Fleas, ticks and other worms: our dogs and cats are surrounded by parasites! 30millionsdamis.fr helps you to properly protect your animals.
Fleas
The flea is a jumping insect that can measure 1 to 3 millimeters long and 1 to 2 millimeters wide. Its brown color may make it difficult to spot. To spot it for sure, brush your pet’s hair and moisten it with water. Place it on a tissue: if the tissue turns red, it is flea droppings. To protect yourself from it, it is important to carry out a preventive treatment throughout the year, which remains the most effective. Ask your veterinarian for advice. Who will best advise you regarding your animal, its age, species, lifestyle, environment (especially children) and the risks? “, recalls Doctor Laetitia Barlerin. In case of an infestation, remember to wash and treat all the cushions, baskets and blankets of all your animals.
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Ticks
Ticks are parasites that are found in tall grass, undergrowth, but also in city parks and gardens. While they used to be found mainly in spring and autumn, they are now found all year round. Pets that are infested with ticks can be prone to inflammatory reactions (nodules) at the bite site. But above all, by feeding on animals, ticks can transmit numerous pathogens that usually cause serious or even fatal diseases such as piroplasmosis, ehrlichiosis, anaplasmosis or rickettsioses. ” Only when the tick has eaten its meal does it inject its infected saliva back into your animal’s blood and then detach itself. “, adds veterinarian Laetitia Barlerin. To avoid them, it is very important to treat your pet with an antiparasitic drug (see our box below for precautions to take). If symptoms such as fever or depression appear, consult your veterinarian urgently. Please note: the tick is also a threat to us humans, as it is a vector for Lyme disease.
The worms
In France, there are mainly two types of worms: flatworms and roundworms. These different worms are responsible for various, sometimes serious, diseases in dogs and cats. ” In contrast to external parasites or occasionally even in adulthood, the worms are not visible to the naked eye. The dangers mainly come from eggs and larvae. Worms manifest themselves through digestive disorders (vomiting, diarrhea with or without blood), more general disorders: loss of appetite, weight loss, fatigue », specifies Dr. David Balouka, veterinarian. Deworming helps to reduce the risks. It is also used to treat when infestation is confirmed. Treatment is adapted to the worms detected during the coproscopic examination. Above all, treatment is very important to reduce the risk of zoonosis (transmission to humans).
Ask your veterinarian for advice on an antiparasitic product for your pet. © htpix – AdobeStock
Sand flies
Sand flies are small, mosquito-sized insects that resemble midges. They are particularly common in the south of France and appear between April and October. They are active in the evenings and at night during the summer. They mainly bite areas without hair, such as the muzzle, around the eyes and ears of dogs. They are responsible for leishmaniasis in dogs and humans. “ In France, 200,000 dogs are infected, but not all infected dogs develop the disease (1 sick dog for 3 to 5 dogs infected with the parasite). », warns the Frégis University Hospital (94). In its so-called classic form, canine leishmaniasis manifests itself through very varied symptoms such as: depression, weight loss (sometimes very marked), large lymph nodes, various skin lesions (hair loss, dandruff, skin ulcers), enlargement of the mammary gland claws, nosebleeds, etc. In certain cases we also observe nerve, eye (uveitis), movement disorders (lameness), digestive disorders, etc. » There is a vaccine and the use of insecticides is strongly recommended. If your pet is infected, the veterinarian must perform tests to confirm the diagnosis and select an appropriate treatment.
Chiggers
The pine mite belongs to the mite family. Microscopic, these red larvae are barely visible to the naked eye and are found on lawns, shaded areas, orchards and near wetlands (ponds, swimming pools, etc.). The peak of contamination by chiggers generally extends from the end of July to the first 15 days of September in mainland France, although this period can vary depending on weather and climate conditions. Chigger bites appear in the form of small orange spots in the center of slightly raised pink spots called papules. Chiggers prefer to bite certain areas of the body, especially those that are most in contact with grass and where the dog’s skin is thinner: interdigital spaces (skin between the fingers), inner thighs, groin fold, anal or genital area, ear flaps, stomach, etc.
The injuries caused by chigger bites are very itchy, so the stung dog often scratches, bites or licks itself. They can cause skin lesions.
Don’t forget to treat your pet against parasites to avoid these bites! If your dog or cat is already affected, contact your veterinarian who can relieve the itching.