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Vet Helps Owners Fight Creepy Crawlies On Pets

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By KRISTEN LEVINE

Tribune correspondent

Published: April 17, 2008

Florida is a hotbed for fleas and parasites. With summer approaching, veterinarians are preparing to see patients with flea allergies.

In fact, flea allergy dermatitis is the most common dermatologic disease of domestic dogs, according to a Kansas State University study.

Many readers suffered particularly bad flea infestations last spring and sent e-mails itching for help. So I've asked veterinarian Link V. Welborn, owner of four Bay area animal hospitals, what we can do this year.

How do pet owners protect their animals - and homes - from fleas?

There are dozens of flea control products on the market that fall into many categories: with and without heartworm and intestinal parasite prevention, with and without tick control, prescription and over-the-counter, topical and oral, products that kill adult fleas and those that block the development of immature fleas, those that are greatly affected by bathing and others that are not, some that are very safe for one species and toxic to other types of pets.

The choices can be dizzying.

Pet owners should seek the advice of their veterinarian, who's in a better position than anyone to advise about the best flea control for an individual pet.

I would like to highlight the word "individual." Every pet should be treated as an individual with regard to flea control.

The species of the pet plays a major role in determining the best product; products designed and approved for dogs are commonly different from those for cats.

The lifestyle of the pet is a significant factor that should be considered as well.

Dogs that rarely leave their house and yard may only need to receive a monthly dose of an insect growth regulator. A fast-acting product that kills adult fleas can be administered for the occasional trip outside the home environment.

On the other hand, dogs that routinely walk in areas frequented by other dogs such as dog walks, apartment common areas and parks should receive a once-a-month product that kills adult fleas continually.

Exposure to ticks is another consideration. Most pets in our area aren't exposed to them, so most pet owners shouldn't pay extra for tick control.

However, for dogs that live near woods or spend time in the woods, a combination flea and tick control product is essential. Once established in a home, ticks can become a nightmare.

Finally, think about baths. Dogs bathed more than once a month may benefit from an oral flea control product, a water-resistant topical product or, at the very least, soap-free shampoo.

So check with your vet about what the most effective, safest and economical products are for your pet and situation.

Are there any dangers associated with over-the-counter, topical flea treatments?

Many are relatively safe for mammals.

However, some spot-on-type flea products for dogs contain 45 percent to 65 percent permethrin. Even small amounts on cats can cause tremors, seizures and death.

Ironically, these potent products often aren't effective flea killers because they've been in use for many years and fleas have become resistant to them.

Link V. Welborn is a Tampa veterinarian, board certified in canine and feline practice. He is the owner and medical director of North Bay, Temple Terrace and Pebble Creek animal & bird hospitals and The Cat Doctors. Welborn received the American Animal Ho

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