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Important info on parasites. (A MUST READ FOR THE AUSSIES)

716K views 1 reply 2 participants last post by  kyle_stallworth 
#1 · (Edited)
This is especially aimed at the Aussies but pretty much applies to everyone.

Aussies, please take note of the paralysis ticks. One of those b'stards killed my beloved Ronnie last year. I don't want to see another dog die that way. If you think for a nanosecond your dog has the symptoms of snake or tick bite, get him to the vet IMMEDIATELY.

Protect your Pet from Summer Dangers


Many Australian pet owners long for the start of summer. The holidays enable many owners to spend some quality time with their furry friend, in the great outdoors. However, this much awaited season is also fraught with danger. Our pets need protection from other organisms that also love the heat, such as snakes, ticks and fleas. Read on to find out how to protect your pet from summer dangers…

Snakes

Each year, over 6,000 Australian animals are bitten by snakes. When treated quickly, around 80% of Aussie pets survive. Snakes are a major concern because, as cold-blooded animals, they seek out the heat from the summer sun. If your pet stumbles across a snake, the snake will bite to defend itself. Snake bites, which result in death, are most commonly caused by brown snakes closely followed by the dangerous tiger and black snakes.

Pet owners can take measures to prevent their pet coming in contact with a deadly snake. By keeping yards tidy, keeping the grass well mowed, and removing any rubbish heaps you can help eliminate any possible snake hiding spots. Pet owners should also avoid walking their pet though long grassy areas, which provide the ideal habitat for snakes. If you spot a snake lurking in or near your backyard, call a professional to remove it, straight away.

Dogs and cats are generally bitten around the head and limbs, so checking for bite marks in these areas is a good idea. Other symptoms of snake bite include shaking or shivering, lethargy, drooling, dilated pupils, vomiting and diarrhoea.


If you suspect your pet has been bitten by a snake; take them to the vet immediately. Dogs that are bitten several times can become paralysed within 2-4 hours, and may die within 2-5 hours, of being bitten. The quicker your pet receives treatment, the higher their chances of survival.

If located in remote area, apply a firm bandage to the bite to help stop the venom spreading to your pet’s heart. Never wash, cut or apply a tourniquet on the wound site.



Ticks

Ticks are parasites that suck the blood of other animals by latching on with their mouth. They pose a threat to our pets year round, but the worst months are October through to December; when tick activity increases.

Ticks are commonly found in or near bush, scrubland or grassy areas. They lurk in vegetation, ready to crawl on a host animal passing by. They can transmit diseases to our pets, and their poison can prove fatal if left untreated. Early detection can therefore make a major difference to the severity of the affected animal’s injury.

Signs that your pet has been affected by a tick include a change in their vocalisation (barking or meowing), breathing and difficulty in walking. Paralysis ticks can also cause ascending paralysis over 24 to 48 hours, which can result in death.


Owners can check their pets for ticks by rubbing fingertips through their pet’s coat. If a bump is felt, the fur should be parted to enable closer examination. Ticks are brown or black in colour, they vary in size and sometimes their legs may be visible.

Once you discover a tick on your pet’s body; be careful that the entirety of the tick is promptly removed from the skin, using tweezers. Otherwise, infection can occur at the site. Seek veterinary attention immediately.

A variety of tick prevention products are available on the market including tick collars, spot-on applications, or an insecticidal spray and rinse.


Fleas

Fleas are parasites that bite our pets to feed from their blood. They are pests that cause pets to scratch. During the hot summer, fleas can grow into adulthood in as little as two weeks, and they can lay up to 400 eggs a week which can lead to a serious flea infestation.

Some pets are allergic to the flea’s saliva, causing them to experience Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD). The symptoms of FAD include red, itchy skin that’s sometimes smelly and hot to touch. Pustules or crusts may also develop on the animal’s skin.

Fleas live in your pet’s fur, and the eggs they lay fall from your pet into the surrounding environment. So if your pet has been to a wooded park where other dogs frequent, or if an infested pet enters your yard, flea eggs may have been left behind. The warmth and movement of your pet may then stir them to hatch, so that they latch onto the nearest host – your pet.

You can conduct adult flea checks on your pet. When grooming, use a Gripsoft Flea Comb, on your cat or dog. The fine teeth of the comb will help to remove both fleas and eggs from your pet’s fur. Part your pet’s fur as you comb behind their ears, neck and hindquarters, to check for the presence of flea excrement. It will appear as brown flecks of dirt in your pet’s fur. Check that it’s not regular dirt by moistening the flecks with water on a paper towel. If the dirt is flea faeces it will smear a reddish-brown colour when wet.

Prevention is the key to ensuring your pet remains flea free this summer. Try using a monthly topical preventative treatment such as Advantage to kill your pet’s fleas. Advantage can be used on dogs, cats, rabbits and ferrets. It kills adult fleas within 3-5 minutes of contact, so 100% of fleas are killed in an hour. Advantage penetrates your pet’s environment, killing larvae to reduce the chance of re-infestation. It also protects against FAD to minimise skin irritation. Vacuuming your home, washing your pet’s bedding, and removing brush or tall grass from the yard, regularly, can also help to prevent fleas.

By taking preventative measures you can reduce the risk of your pet being exposed to these dangerous snakes, ticks and fleas this summer to ensure your pet enjoys the summer safely.



Protect your Pet from Summer Dangers | VetShopAustralia
 
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