OUR SERVICES
Flea Control and Tick Control
at Gladstone Vet Clinic
Effective Treatment Solutions
for Flea control in Pets
The most common way pets pick up fleas is from the environment. Fleas rarely jump from pet to pet. Pets can pick up fleas from a walk, playing in the dog park, at the beach or even in the backyard.
How does the paralysis tick cause toxicity?
After the tick has attached to the host animal it sucks blood and then secretes a toxin that can cause severe illness, or even death, in cats and dogs. Dogs and cats of any age can be affected.
Signs of tick paralysis include: loss of coordination in the hind legs (wobbly or not being able to get up) which may progress to the front legs, change in bark, retching, coughing or vomiting, loss of appetite, or laboured or rapid breathing. Any of these signs may indicate the presence of a paralysis tick. If your dog shows any of these signs you should seek veterinary attention as soon as possible.
5 Frequently Asked Questions About Fleas
Common signs of fleas include excessive scratching, biting at the skin, and seeing tiny black or brown specks (flea dirt) on your pet’s fur. You might also spot the fleas themselves, especially in areas like the neck, tail, and belly.
Yes, fleas can cause serious issues such as skin irritation, allergic reactions, and in severe cases, anemia due to blood loss. They can also transmit tapeworms and other diseases.
Fleas can hitch a ride on your pet after outdoor activities, especially in grassy or wooded areas. They can also be brought in by other animals, such as rodents, or even on your clothing.
The best prevention is regular use of flea treatments, such as topical solutions, oral medications, or flea collars. Keeping your home clean and vacuuming regularly also helps reduce the risk of an infestation.
To eliminate fleas, use a combination of flea treatment for your pet and thorough cleaning of your home. Wash your pet’s bedding, vacuum carpets and furniture, and consider using flea sprays or foggers in the environment. Be sure to treat all pets in the household to prevent re-infestation.
Tick Control
The most common ticks infesting dogs in Australia are the paralysis tick, the brown dog tick, and the bush tick.
Paralysis ticks
The paralysis tick (Ixodesholocyclus) is one of the most dangerous parasites that can affect your pet. Tick paralysis is estimated to affect tens of thousands of dogs and cats per year in Australia, with many animals dying. The greatest risk is associated with high numbers of adult ticks in spring and summer, but disease can be seen throughout the year. Paralysis ticks are found on the east coast of Australia, from northern Queensland to Victoria.
How does the paralysis tick cause toxicity?
After the tick has attached to the host animal it sucks blood and then secretes a toxin that can cause severe illness, or even death, in cats and dogs. Dogs and cats of any age can be affected.
Signs of tick paralysis include: loss of coordination in the hind legs (wobbly or not being able to get up) which may progress to the front legs, change in bark, retching, coughing or vomiting, loss of appetite, or laboured or rapid breathing. Any of these signs may indicate the presence of a paralysis tick. If your dog shows any of these signs you should seek veterinary attention as soon as possible.
Brown dog ticks and bush ticks
Brown dog ticks and bush ticks do not cause tick paralysis, but they can cause skin irritation and also transmit other important diseases e.g. Babesia parasites which invade the red blood cells of dogs causing anaemia (which can be fatal).
