Every dog or cat owner knows how distressing it is to see their pet infested with fleas or ticks. Each year, thousands of dogs and cats suffer health problems due to parasitic infestations. It's therefore crucial to understand the importance of preventative treatment to help your pet fight off parasites.
What kind of flea treatment is needed for dogs or cats?
There are several types of flea treatments. They don't all have the same function! You can therefore choose between:
- An insect repellent : the purpose of this product is to keep away parasites such as fleas, ticks or mosquitoes.
- An insecticide : the purpose of this product is to kill and destroy parasites such as fleas and ticks.
- Collar : The advantage is that the collar provides protection for several months. Its effectiveness is therefore longer-lasting. However, using the collar requires great care, and it is essential to check over several days that the animal does not develop an allergic reaction.
- Pipettes : Pipettes are widely used for dogs and cats because they are convenient to use. Unfortunately, they make the animal's fur greasy and are not effective in the rain or if the dog has been swimming.
- Powder : Pest control products can sometimes be found in powder form. This is very impractical and not always very effective, as the powder quickly settles to the ground.
- Shampoo : Many different shampoos exist. They are very effective on animals already infested. Some shampoos are made with natural products.
- Spray : Just like pipettes, the spray will make the coat very oily. However, it's not very practical, since you often have to apply between 1 and 3 sprays per kilogram of the dog.
- Medical tablet : only your veterinarian can advise you on medical treatment in case of severe infestation.
- Natural tablets : there are also treat-like tablets that are palatable and plant-based. One example is the "Flea and Tick in Belly" treat for dogs.
The risks of not treating your pet
Parasites are vectors of disease. They are a significant source of viruses, as some diseases transmissible to dogs and cats can be fatal. Here are the main diseases currently known to be transmitted by fleas and ticks:- Lyme disease , also known as piroplasmosis, spreads throughout the body and causes fever, joint pain, and muscle aches. Symptoms sometimes appear several months after infection. Other symptoms may also occur, including heart problems, skin problems, swollen lymph nodes, neurological disorders, and kidney failure. This tick-borne disease is most prevalent in northern and eastern France.
- Ehrlichiosis is a bacterial infection that infects the blood of cats. The bacteria cause fever, vomiting, and joint pain. Over time, the condition can become irreversible.
- Feline hemobartonellosis : This is a parasite that destroys the cat's red blood cells. This disease is fatal in cats.
- Dermatological problems following flea bites: allergic dermatitis , superinfections or even pruritus which can even turn into otitis.
- Intestinal worms : the tapeworm. A dog can become infected with this worm by swallowing a flea.
The BF Petfood range
Biofood offers a range of care products for cats and dogs, designed to protect pets from parasite infestations. The antiparasitic range comes in treat form, making it easy for dogs and cats to administer. This range, effective against fleas and ticks, is composed of natural products that are safe for animals. It is also tailored to the species (dog or cat) and size of the animal (miniature or adult). This range can be given regularly throughout the year to strengthen the immune systems of dogs and cats.
You will therefore be able to find the following for dogs:
- Mini flea and tick treatment with seaweed: intended for puppies or small breed dogs.
- Fleas and ticks from seaweed
- Fleas and Ticks on the Belly
- Natural Flea and Tick Control
- Fleas and Ticks on Salmon
It is therefore advisable to be careful in order to avoid a flea and tick infestation in the garden and even worse in the house!
