Keep Pets Safe From Fleas, Ticks
The heat and rain of the South Florida summer is causing a rise in the growth of fleas and ticks.
Pets might be paying the price of the recent wet weather.
"All that rain and humidity, we have really seen an increase in those flea populations, and we have gotten a lot of dogs in lately that even if we don't find fleas on them we are seeing them have skin reactions to flea bites," said veterinarian Dr. Kimberly Fanning.
At Hollywood Animal Hospital, veterinarians are reporting an unusual number of flea infestations, and experts said the reason is simple.
"They like a relative humidity of at least 70 percent, and when it is 100 percent relative humidity outside, it is going to be in that 70-80 percent range indoors," said William Kearn, an associate professor at the University of Florida.
Ticks also are a problem this time of year, so veterinarians recommend a monthly topical or oral treatment. But that might not be enough. Some suggest that fleas are becoming resistant to those drugs, so pet owners might want to use old-fashioned sprays.
"Methoprene is an insect growth regulator that literally stops the fleas from turning into the biting adult," Kearn said.
If you do get a flea or tick infestation in your home, it is not cheap to treat. It can cost as much as $225 per application.
Pet control experts said residents also will need to spray their yards, and they will most likely need a follow-up treatment.
"There is going to be new hatchlings, eggs in between the first treatment, and that way you can get rid of everything," said Duane Plucknett of Accurate Pest Control.
Prevention can save owners money and keep pets happy and healthy.
