Fleas are a very common parasite in our companion animals and because the flea life cycle is shorter in warmer weather we as vets tend to see more flea infestations in dogs, cats and rabbits during the warmer summer months. Adult female fleas can lay up to 50 eggs per day so a single flea can quickly turn in to a flea infestation. Fleas can be an unpleasant nuisance and they can sometimes feed on pet owners as well as pets. More significantly for any vets interested in dermatology however is the important role fleas play in many itchy skin diseases, either as the underling cause (flea allergic dermatitis is one of the most common allergies in dogs and cats) or as a trigger or flare factor in other allergic skin disease patients.

Very effective flea treatments have been available for a number of years now; most of these are available as “spot-on” preparations which can be applied to the skin at the back of the pet’s neck. In most cases this is very easy to do and very well tolerated by the pet. However in some individuals they become anxious when the owner or vet approaches them to apply these topical treatments and then it can become very difficult to treat these pets effectively. In addition to this topical treatments may be inappropriate for dogs that are bathed frequently or are regular swimmers.

A very effective new treatment has recently become available from Elanco. It is in the form of a palatable chewable tablet (almost all dogs and cats will simply eat it when offered as a treat). It is very rapidly effective, killing fleas within hours of administration, and it can be administered monthly for ongoing preventative control.
For more information on this new product you can look at http://www.comfortis.com or ask any of our staff in Botanic, Clontarf, Blanchardstown, Palmerstown or Santry vets about it.

No dog or cat owner would disagree their pet adds an extra dimension to their life:
whether it’s companionship, the fun element or simply a friendly soul with whom to
share their life. However, one thing no pet owner would want to share are parasites!

Parasites such as fleas, ticks and intestinal worms can cause discomfort to their pet
host, but perhaps more serious they can cause fatal diseases such as Lungworm
which can be life-threatening to dogs. It really is a jungle out there, but thankfully there
are safety measures you can take.

Clontarf Veterinary Hospital and all Anicare Veterinary Group branches has a comprehensive range of parasite treatments, which will help to keep your pet parasite – free. Moreover, we can advise you about your pet’s individual parasite
requirements based on its individual life – style and the parasites – both internal and
external – to which it is susceptible.

Just call our team in Clontarf  on 01 8330744 now to make a Free Veterinary Nurse appointment to help you …

‘Keep your Pet Parasite Free’