. . . The following is an excerpt from the Companion Animal Parasite Council's "Fleas, Ticks & Your Pet".
Fleas are probably the most common ectoparasite (external 
parasite) of dogs and cats worldwide. In addition to just being a nuisance, fleas are responsible for flea allergy dermatitis (FAD)
in dogs and cats, which is estimated to account for over 50 percent of all the dermatological cases reported to veterinarians.
Ticks are also ectoparasites. Ticks are important vectors of a 
number of diseases, including Lyme disease. Ticks are second only to mosquitoes as vectors of human disease, both infectious and toxic. Control and prevention of ticks is extremely important in reducing the risk of disease associated with ticks.
Common questions about fleas and ticks
Why should I control parasites for my pet year-round?
Due to the large number of internal and external parasites and the high risk of pet infection, controlling parasites year-round is the most reliable way to ensure the highest level of health for your pet and well-being of your family. Year-round prevention is the most effective way to control cat and dog parasites and the diseases they can carry. People think their pets are safe during the colder months, but pets are susceptible to f lea and tick infections at all times of the year. And regardless of the weather, many of these pests can even survive in your home - in carpeting, on furniture and in the bedroom.
Do fleas on my pet present a health risk to my family?
Yes. Fleas can carry and transmit several potential illnesses of importance to humans, including typhus and plague, and can transmit "cat scratch disease" (infection with Bartonella) among cats who can then spread the disease to humans. Additionally, fleas serve as an intermediate host for tapeworms, which can infect your pet and occasionally humans.
What human-health problems are associated with ticks?
Ticks transmit a large number of diseases in North America. These diseases include Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, relapsing fever, ehrlichiosis, tularemia and tick paralysis. It is important for the health of your pet, as well as the safety of your
family, to include ticks in your pet's year-round parasite control program.
What if my cat never goes outside?
Indoor cats have less chance of acquiring f leas and ticks, but they should be regularly checked, just in case. Other pets and/or family members can be hosts for f leas and ticks (on pant cuffs or socks) and bring them home to your indoor cat.
For more frequently asked questions and answers, please go to
www.petsandparasites.org.
Tips to protect your family and your pet:
- Wash your hands well after contact with an animal.
- Do not allow children to put dirt in their mouths.
- Pick up dog and cat waste from your yard daily, especially in areas where both children and animals play.
- Cover home sandboxes to protect them from fecal contamination.
- Have your pet tested regularly (at least once a year) for parasites by a veterinarian and administer year-round preventive medications to control internal parasites that present a risk to your pet and your family.
Kennel Assistant to Veterinary Nurse since joining us. Brigitte lives in Sonoma with her dogs Brody and Milah and her cats Ariel and Tuscany. She also has a Shepard mix, Leanna, who is an adored pet by the whole Cuff family. Brigitte's education includes 3 years at Santa Rosa Junior College where she earned her AA. She then moved to attend California State University, Chico, where she received her Bachelors of Science with a major in Agriculture and an option in Animal Science. She graduated in May, 2007 and is currently working on obtaining her Registered Veterinary Technician's License.
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