Fleas
Fleas are blood-sucking insects , during their evolution have adapted to a parasitic life. The dog and cat fleas are almost always of the kind Ctenocephalydes spp . , They can live 6 to 8 months and have a cycle represented by a phase of free life and a step of parasitic life real . It can be found in the animal usually for about 5 hours a day , due to the presence of similar excrement to grains of sand . On the animal, the male and female fleas mate and the female lays the eggs , they fall on the ground and they build up mostly where the animal spends more time.
Symptoms and disorders caused by fleas
When there are fleas, the animal tends to be nervous, biting and scratching; Moreover, the saliva of the flea can give allergy.
Fleas can cause harm to the animal by direct action, ie causing itching with serious consequences, up to the difficulty feeding, or by allergic reactions.
The flea allergy dermatitis is a major allergic diseases found in dogs and cats. As anticipated, it is due to the fact that some animals are allergic to flea saliva. The saliva contains a substance that seems aptenica connect with the collagen of the skin and form an antigenic complex. The thymus-dependent lymphocytes become sensitized and further to a next contact develop an allergic reaction by delayed hypersensitivity. This reaction goes to damage of skin cells that emit lysozyme and other substances that cause the clinical symptoms of pruritus and erythema.
When a flea bites an allergy sufferer, these develops a major itching especially at the level of the hips, lumbar and sacral region and inner thigh.
The animal often loses his hair in these regions and develops very severe skin infections. Finally, fleas can be a vehicle for possible secondary bacteria or parasites.
Lice
Lice animal (generally not transmissible to humans , which is parasitized by other species ) are parasitic bloodsuckers of whitish appearance , which on the pet's coat lead to itching , greasy fur and scabs on the skin.
Ticks
Ticks are blood-sucking parasites ; They are localized in the head , neck and interdigital spaces . Veterinary prophylactic need anti - parasitic animal's action via sprays or powders . The extraction of the tick from the animal's body must be done in a very accurate way , avoiding to break the body of the latter , which would remain within the animal causing infection .
Products against fleas, lice and ticks
The use of synthetic pesticides - as organophosphates, the carbamates or pyrethroids in the form of spot-on solutions, topical, etc. collars. - Can be toxic to the puppies. In addition, these substances are continuously released into the environment where the animal lives, releasing toxic substances at home, on the bed and on the couch, which is also a problem for humans. Even in the care of companion animals, herbal remedies can be a viable alternative to synthetic drugs, often burdened with heavy side effects. Against fleas, ticks and ticks, you can for example use essential oils with antibacterial properties, parasiticide, healing and insect repellents; among the most famous are those of Citronella, Lavender, Eucalyptus, Thyme, Geranium and Neem oil. It 'still important to consider that herbal medicine is not without risks and side effects, quite important when essential oils are used improperly. It is therefore recommended to use commercial products avoiding DIY, especially to non-experts. These products should be applied on the dog and the cat on the regions of the body more easily attacked by fleas, lice and ticks, namely the arts, the axillary hollow, groin, lower part of the chest and abdomen, neck and the ears. Best if applied before you leave the house for a walk in order to benefit fully from their insect-repellent effect.