FLEAS
A common problem on cats and dogs, causing discomfort, itchiness, skin problems and, in serious cases, iron deficiency and anaemia. Both the cat flea and the dog flea can be found on either pet.

Life cycle – Adult fleas spend their entire life on the animal, and their life span can be from 8 to 100 days. The female flea lays hundreds of eggs in her lifespan, and these eggs drop off the pet into the surrounding environment eg bedding, furnishings, carpets. The eggs hatch into larvae which find a warm, humid place to develop into a cocoon. Central heating creates an ideal environment all year round. Fleas can stay in this form for up to 6 months until the temperature is warm enough for them to hatch. They must then find a dog or cat to jump onto within 8 hours.
Fleas can therefore survive for a long time off the animal, making treatment of the environment very important in their control.

Signs – The animal may be scratching. You may see adult fleas moving in the coat (brown, 2mm long) but they can move very fast so can be difficult to spot. “Flea dirt” is easier to see – black specks of digested blood which turn red-brown when rubbed onto wet cotton wool. Occasionally you can see white eggs. Fleas can bite humans (but not live on them) and cause small itchy red spots, often on the arms.

Treatment – You must treat both the pet (and any other dogs/cats in the house) and the environment. Treating the pet alone may mean eggs dormant in the house will hatch in a month or two and reinfect the pet.
- treating the pet: spot on preparations (usually applied to the back of the neck) are extremely effective and easy to use. They are usually applied every 4-8 weeks. Your vet can give you more information on these, and supply them to you. In the past, powders, shampoos and flea collars have been used.
- treating the environment: a common method is to use a long-acting household spray. One thorough treatment can be effective for up to a year. Also available from your vet is an injection for your pet which causes the adult fleas to become sterile, so any eggs they produce will not hatch.

LICE
Lice are not as common as fleas, and easier to control as they spend their entire life on the pet. They are most often seen on puppies.

Signs – The animal may be scratching. Lice are usually seen around the head, especially the ears, but can be found all over the body. They can grow to the size of a grain of bird seed, and lay small white sticky eggs called nits which can be seen attached to hairs.

Treatment – Lice are easily treated using the same spot-on preparations as for fleas.

TICKS
Ticks are often found on dogs and cats. They are usually picked up in woody or heathery areas in the spring and autumn.

Signs - When they first attach to the animal they are quite small – 2-3mm- but as they suck the pet’s blood over the course of 7-10days they become round, enlarged and blue-grey in colour. Many people mistake them for warts. They can be 7-8mm when fully engorged. At this point they may fall off by themselves. They are most often found on the head, neck and front legs of the pet. Ticks can be removed with tweezers, but great care must be taken to remove the whole tick – often the mouthparts can be left in the animal’s skin. If in doubt, consult your vet.

Treatment – Removal of the tick. If you live in an area prone to high tick populations, spot-on preparations are available to help repel ticks.
Ticks can occasionally carry disease – mention to the vet if your animal becomes ill soon after, that it had been bitten by a tick.

MITES
A variety of mites can cause skin conditions in dogs and cats.

Signs – These vary depending on the type of mite. Extreme itch, excessive dandruff, hair loss, ear disease and skin irritation are some of the different signs. The mites themselves cannot be seen. Some mites are highly contagious to other dogs or cats, and others can cause skin irritation in humans too.

Treatment – Mite infestations need veterinary attention and can be quite difficult to treat, so consult your vet if you are worried.

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