Dog Talk

FLEAS:  Understanding the Flea!

When environmental conditions are favorable, the flea has a great reproductive potential.  Fleas thrive at low altitudes in temperature ranges of 65-80 degrees (F).  Under those conditions the flea life cycle can be completed, from the hatching of an egg to the laying of the next generation of eggs, in as little as 16 days.  On the other hand, adult fleas are long lived insects and can survive several months without a blood meal.

The female flea does need a meal of blood however, in order to lay eggs.  The female does not lay her eggs in the fur of the dog.  Fleas normally spend little time actually on the animals.  They prefer to hop off after a meal and hide in warm, dark places such as under cushions, or in shag carpet in a dark corner.  They will hide in cracks of tile or wood floors and places like under the refrigerator.  The female lays her eggs in these places and they will hatch into very small worm-like larvae.  Larvae feed on organic debris, such as crumbs or flakes of skin, hair or even feces from the adult fleas.  The larvae molt and form pupae, then emerge as young and hungry adults in about three weeks.

Unfortunately, flea eggs are resistant and are not affected by insecticides.  They can also become dormant in unfavorable conditions, then, when conditions are right will hatch and complete the life cycle.  This explains the rapid and almost overnight increase in the flea population in the spring.

Since fleas spend so little time on your pet,  it can be hard to discern by inspecting your pet the degree of infestation, or the degree of your pet's discomfort. Fleas do leave behind evidence of their presence in the form of "flea dirt".  this may be seen on your pet even if you do not see the fleas.  Comb or brush your pet looking for tiny dark dots or comma shaped pieces of debris.  To determine if the small specs are actually from the flea, place the specs on a moistened paper towel.  If the spec dissolves and forms a red stain, then it is flea dirt.

Canine Flu:  Most dogs who become infected with the respiratory illness will experience a milder form of influenza with symptoms that are similar to those of kennel cough, such as a persistent cough, low fever, and listlessness.  However, some develop a more acute disease with clinical signs of pneumonia.  Immediate veterinary care,  including antibiotics and fluids,  will be needed to save the life of a dog with severe symptoms, such as a high fever, secondary bacterial infection, and nasal discharge.  Among the latter group,  the mortality rate is 1 to 5 percent.

Because this is thought to be an entirely new virus, no dogs have a natural immunity to it,  so all dogs who are exposed,  no matter their breed or age,  will become infected.  About 80% of the dogs who contract the illness will develop symptoms, although all exposed animals will be able to transmit the virus to other dogs.  The virus is airborne so dogs can become infected from contact with anything an infected dog sneezed or coughed on.

It's been found in states all across the country.  Stay alert to any signs of illness in your dog: take her to a veterinary clinic if she shows signs of fever or coughing.