Flea, Lice & โTick Infestations: Protecting Pets Requires Dual Approach -โฃ Animal & Habitat
SAO PAULO, BRAZIL – Flea, lice, and tick infestations pose a significant health riskโข to dogs and cats, demanding a comprehensive strategy that addresses both the animal and โข its surroundings, veterinary experts say. Eliminatingโ these ectoparasites requires not only direct treatment of the pet but also rigorous environmental cleaning โand, potentially, chemical applications – all best guided by a veterinarian.
The presence of fleas, lice, or ticks necessitates intervention to safeguard an animal’s well-being. Products are available โto eliminate the parasites,โฃ repel them, โคor disrupt their reproductive โcycle and advancement. Consulting a veterinarian is crucial to determine the most suitableโ product for a specific animal.
However, treating the animal alone is insufficient. Ectoparasites are small and reproduce rapidly,โ making environmental control essential. Flea eggs, larvae, and pupae accumulate in cracks in โfloors, walls, animal housing, andโค even backyards. “Therefore,the cleaning of theโข environment shouldโ be done rigorously.Blankets,clothes and walks have to be sanitized or changed frequently,” advises veterinarian โขValรฉria Natascha Teixeira.
Chemical treatments for the environment can kill adult ectoparasites,but caution is โparamount to avoid harming โขanimals,people,or the environment.
Preventative measures include maintaining environmental hygiene, inspecting animals after walks, regular bathing, and utilizing ectoparasite โcontrol products. Available preventative productsโค include โขcollars, โtopical pipettes, sprays,โ powders, and tablets. Again, veterinary consultation is recommended to select theโฃ most appropriate preventativeโค option for each animal.
“Environmental hygiene, animal inspection after walks,โ baths and theโ use of products to combat ectoparasites areโข the main forms of prevention for fleas, lice, ticks โand diseases transmitted by them,” Teixeira states.