THIS TOPICS ARE VALID FROM SPRING UNTIL THE END OF SUMMER

SEASONAL PARASITES

In our relatively humid and mild climate, different parasites really feel at home :
Especially FLEAS and TICKS can cause major problems by either transmitting
different dangerous diseases or by causing allergic reactions.


  1. FLEAS

They are not permanent parasites : they stay on the animal during their "blood meal", but they are able to jump and so they spend most of the time in the environment, grass, ground outside, carpets inside. That is where they lay their eggs, often the whole house has to be treated to get ride of them.

They can cause the following problems : Itching, Scratching, the famous FLEA-ALLERGY which sometimes takes a long time to treat.

Preventively, different products are on the market : Flea Collars, Sprays, Spot-on Liquids, Flea Shampoos.

Talk to your Veterinary to know the differences : Certain products are a lot better then others, some even do not have any effect.


  • TICKS
    DANGEROUS, because they can be carriers of different dangerous diseases (LYME's DISEASE [=BORRELIOSIS], PIROPLASMOSIS, HEMOBARTONELLOSIS, EHRLICHIOSIS, MENINGITIS...)

    In our regions, dogs get ticks in the woods or while walking through the grass.
    SEE NEXT PARAGRAPH !


    • INFECTIOUS DISEASES TRANSMITTED BY TICKS
    TO HUMANS AND DOGS

    1. PIROPLASMOSIS

    The infectious agent is a parasite of the red blood cells. The infection causes ANEMIA, WEAKNESS, ANOREXIA and is often fatal.
    DOGS CAN BE VACCINATED PREVENTIVELY
    Click
    HERE
    to see the dangerous geographic regions.


  • MENINGITIS ("FSME")

    • Viral disease, that can be transmitted to people and to dogs rapidly after introduction of the tick into the skin. Mainly Southern Germany and Austria people can be vaccinated. No vaccination yet for dogs.
    Click
    HERE
    to see the dangerous geographic regions in Germany.


  • BORRELIOSIS

    • The infectious agent is a bacteria. No vaccination is possible. Treatment by anti-infectious medication. There are often complications (ARTHRITIS...). Transmission is quick, about 24 hours after the contact with the skin.
    TRY TO TAKE OUT TICKS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.


    WHAT CAN BE DONE TO AVOID THESE INFECTIONS ?
    1. PIROPLASMOSIS

    Have your dog vaccinated on time : at least one month before your holidays, with a booster couple of days before you leave.

    Use a special Tick Collar or a similar product like Spays or Gels.

    Think about leaving your dog at home, with friends or your family who can take care of them while you are away.

    Use effective products (Collars, Sprays...)

    Try to examine your dog after walks and brush him to get ride of ticks.

    Ticks which are already in the skin should be taken out as soon as you find them.


  • BORRELIOSIS

    • The only preventive measure is to protect your dog with Tick Collars or similar tick killing treatments.

    There is no vaccination yet in Europe.

    Treatment of this disease is possible, but complications are common.


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    READ ALSO :

    HEARTWORM DISEASE IN DOGS AND CATS

    KENNEL COUGH

    AGE COMPARISON CHART FOR DOGS AND CATS

    Last updated : October 1, 1998