Ask the Vets...

Getting rid of ticks and fleas in dogs is getting better
with improved products

Friday,  October 28, 2005

Cayman Net News presents a new series where local vets address pet questions and concerns from readers Dr. Lana Watler & Dr. Tiffany Durzi

For the past few months I have been having a huge problem with ticks and fleas. My two dogs are constantly infested with them – I have tried everything from bathing, spraying, and collars to picking them off but nothing seems to work! Do you have any other suggestions before the bugs carry the dogs away?

External parasites like fleas and ticks are a fact of life year round in the Cayman Islands. These annoying pests cause much discomfort and irritation to our furry friends (not to mention their frustrated owners!). 

In addition, their bites can transmit disease, intestinal worms, cause serious allergies or even kill a pet due to blood loss anemia. Because they reproduce at tremendous rates, multiplying to thousands in a short time, the problem can quickly get out of hand. That’s the bad news.

The good news is there has never been a better time to do battle with these bugs. It is an owner’s responsibility to keep their pets parasite free. Recent scientific advances in parasitology have developed revolutionary products for flea and tick control. 

These products, available only through licensed veterinarians, are safe enough for use on puppies and kittens and are generally nontoxic to humans and the environment. 

Topical insecticides “Frontline” and “Revolution” work by killing adult fleas and ticks for a month or more. 

A small amount, when applied on the skin in one spot, is absorbed and distributed under the skin for lasting residual control (even after baths, shampoos, and swimming!). 

We have also had excellent reports from owners using the prescription tick collar “Preventic” in addition to the topical. Lufeneron “Program” is a medication, which prevents flea eggs from developing, breaking the flea infestation life cycle (available in a monthly pill for dogs or 6 month injection for cats).

Other useful products are flea/tick shampoos (be sure to leave on for a good 10 minutes), and various sprays/dips for your pet, home, and garden. Be careful of what you buy, as many products are ineffective, toxic, etc. 

Your veterinarian can best provide you with sound advice on appropriate product selection and application.

So don’t despair - with a little help from science, those troublesome fleas and ticks will be packing their bags in no time.

Please address any questions to Dr. Lana Watler & Dr. Tiffany Durzi c/o Cayman Animal Hospital PO Box 1499 GT or fax # 946-7387or e-mail askthevets@caymannetnews.com

   Back...