FLEAS

Fleas have been with us from time immemorial and although there have been significant attempts to reduce the menace of fleas, they will probably still be with us for a considerable time.

Fleas are indeed a menace. They are responsible for a large proportion of the skin problems from which dogs suffer. In fact the allergy to the flea bite is so common with dogs, that quite often when a Veterinarian sees evidence of a dog’s skin problem, the immediate reaction is to attribute the cause to flea bites. The skin problem may be due to other causes but the reaction of the Veterinarian, prior to a detailed examination, is understandable.

In addition to the intense skin irritation to the dog caused by fleas, there are other problems associated with fleas. Fleas are the intermediate host of the tapeworm. Fleas feel upon tapeworm segments. When the dog bites itself to relieve the itch caused by the flea bite, it often swallows the flea and becomes infected with the tapeworm.

Very effective drugs and insecticides have come onto the market in recent years. They have proved to be far extremely useful in ridding the dog of fleas, but it remains a constant battle. Not only must the dog and the dog’s bedding be constantly monitored, it is also necessary to have constant environment control of surrounding areas in kennels.