Biting Parasites Treatment

Hot and humid conditions are common in Australia and are ideal for irritating biting parasites like fleas, ticks, flies and mosquitoes. The following information will help you understand the common biting parasites and how to keep your pets protected against them.

Fleas can bite up to 400 times a day

Common parasites that bite and feed on your pet’s blood. Bites are painful and cause discomfort to many pets
In bad flea infestations, fleas may also bite humans
Some animals develop an allergy to flea saliva leading to a condition called Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD) – this leads to extreme itchiness and scratching, skin damage, and potentially secondary bacterial infections.

Ticks are closely related to spiders

Ticks are another common parasite in Australia. They bite and remain attached to their host while feeding on their blood for days at a time
Ticks can transmit diseases and cause anaemia, irritation, self-trauma and lead to secondary skin infections
The paralysis tick is the most dangerous – common signs of tick toxicity include weakness in the limbs, lethargy, change in the sound of the bark and vomiting. The bite from a single paralysis tick can be fatal.

Lice can be very itchy!

Biting and sucking lice feed on skin, secretions or blood of dogs
This feeding or biting causes itchiness, self-trauma and depression
Lice cannot live off the host, so direct contact with another dog is required for a dog to contract lice

Only the female mosquito feeds on blood

Mosquitoes feed on the blood of a host
Their bites can cause irritation and dermatitis
They can also carry heartworm disease and transmit heartworm larvae between pets when they are feeding on their blood

Like mosquitoes, only female sandflies bite

Sandflies also feed on the blood of a host
Their bites can cause irritation and dermatitis, especially in hypersensitive animals

Stable fly bites hurt

Stable flies have a painful bite and feed on the blood of a host
They most commonly attack the skin around the face and ears, leading to pain, discomfort and irritation
Bites from a stable fly may also cause weeping and crusting skin lesions

Protecting your pet

We understand there are a number of little nasties you want to protect your pet from.

Here are a few basic tips:

Keep pets indoors during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes and sandflies are most active
Ensure there are no pools of stagnant water in your yard, where mosquitoes could lay eggs
Regularly remove any materials that can attract flies e.g. faecal material, uneaten pet food and uncovered garbage
Keep insect bite wounds clean – regularly bathe with warm water to clean away the dried blood which attracts more flies
Keep vegetation and grass short to make your yard less attractive to ticks
Use fly traps or screens on kennel doors
Use an insecticide spray around the house – inside and out
Use effective products on your dog regularly and as directed, with an emphasis on products that kill on contact or repel, such as The Advantage Family range of spot-ons