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Monthly Update
June 2013

Greetings!

 

We hope everyone enjoyed a relaxing Memorial Day weekend alongside family and friends - especially the four-legged ones! With vacation season now in full swing, don't forget to maintain your pet's flea and tick regimen. 

 

Learn more about fleas in the feature article below. Then review our pet care handout on fleas, ticks, and other parasites. Your pet's health is our top priority!   

 

All the best,
Dr. Beverly Mason

Medical Director

Dedham Veterinary Associates 

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The Secret Lives of Fleas 

 

Itchy dog
The weather is getting warmer and increased humidity is on the way... You may not appreciate the return of hot, muggy days, but fleas certainly do. These tiny, blood-sucking insects can be a real nuisance. They can cause anemia, spread disease, encourage tapeworm infections, and create severe skin problems for pets that are allergic to flea bites. Luckily, with some background knowledge of flea patterns and lifecycles, infestation is preventable.

 

How Fleas Find You

Outside, hungry adult fleas hunt for warm host environments-pets are often the ideal target. Even if your pet doesn't carry fleas inside, your home is not totally immune. Fleas have been known to infiltrate screen windows or ride into homes on people's clothing. Worse, fleas are so tiny they may be hard to notice right away.

 

How Fleas Spread

About 24 hours after a female flea has fed on pet blood, she will start laying eggs at the rate of 40 per day. She can live for up to six weeks-continuing to lay eggs at this rate. The eggs fall off of pets and land in lawns, carpets, cracks in hardwood floors, upholstery, and pet beds. The eggs hatch and the baby fleas go through their larval stage. If your house or yard is at a comfortable temperature (70 to 90 degrees), this may take as little as nine days.

 

The larvae soon develop cocoons, which are sticky. They adhere to carpets and nestle in other fibers or crevices. In their protected cocoons, they can live for months while monitoring fluctuations in carbon monoxide levels, light, and movement; this is how they know that dogs or cats are near. As soon as they get the signal, they emerge as hungry adult fleas. This whole cycle can take less than three weeks. With some basic math, it's easy to see how a few fleas can turn into a huge infestation during the course of one summer.

 

How to Find Fleas

The first key to protecting your pet and your home is vigilance. Know that fleas are small and hard to spot. Sometimes the only sign they're present is the "flea dirt" they leave behind. A flea comb is a great tool to use routinely. Carefully comb your pet's coat, looking for signs of fleas and flea excrement. (Keep in mind, some pets are very adept at grooming-especially if they are itchy and nursing a rash. They may clean away flea evidence before it can be found. Any pet with a skin rash should be seen by a veterinarian.)

 

How to Control and Prevent Fleas

Many of today's flea control products are very effective. They kill would-be invaders and even sterilize resistant adults, so surviving fleas cannot lay eggs to pass on their strong genes. Using the right product, carefully and routinely, is often enough to prevent flea infestation.   

 

Control products that work the best can fluctuate from year to year, as flea populations change. Your veterinarian will tell you which options are best for your pet. Remember: always consult your veterinarian before trying a flea control product. Some over-the-counter products are actually very toxic and not recommended.  

  


June Employee Spotlight

  
Welcome Michelle, DVA's newest
Client Care Associate! After volunteering at the MSPCA for two years, Michelle decided to pursue her career dream of working with animals. She is currently attending Mount Ida College and is a junior in the veterinary technology program. She is looking forward to expanding her knowledge while working alongside DVA's senior technicians.  Say hello next time you see Michelle around the office!

 

 

Flag Day in Dedham

The DVA team will be marching in Dedham's annual Flag Day parade, scheduled for Friday, June 14th at 6 p.m. This is a parade worth watching - full of horses, bands, dogs, dance groups, and more. Our team will be tossing patriotic flag bracelets and paw-shaped key chains into the crowd. We look forward to seeing you along the parade route!