What to do if my pet has Fleas ?

Flea is one of the most common causes of itching in dogs and cats. Most often both species are affected by cat flea ctenocephalides felis. It affects young ones more than adults because adults groom themselves more than younger ones. This flea can never infest humans because of less hair to hide. Fleas can primarily cause two diseases in pets(cats and dogs)

:

Flea dermatitis: 

As the flea infested the host the next step is taking blood from the host. Flea dermatitis is caused by mechanical irritation due to flea bites. It occurs in the process of sucking blood.



Flea allergic dermatitis: 

During the process of blood sucking fleas inject its saliva at the site of attachment. This saliva contains anticoagulants and antihistamines. Some cats and dogs develop an immune response against it,   Causing hypersensitivity reaction.

Clinical signs of flea infestation are: 

1. Flea dirt or eggs on hair coat

2. Excessive scratching, chewing or biting 

3. Poor hair coat, mating and hair loss

4. Skin irritation or dermatitis( inflammation of skin

5. Tape worm in stool(flea borne)


Treatment: 

The following drugs are used in the treatment as well as prevention of fleas

1. Lufenuron:

The outer layer of the flea is made up of chitin. Lufenuron is a chitin synthesis inhibitor drug. The female flea that ingested this drug will produce infertile eggs. It does not affect adult fleas 

Dose: 

1. 30 mg/kg per-oral monthly 

2. 10 mg/kg Subcut every six months 


2. Fluralaner:

Fluralaner is an FDA approved drug used in the prevention of fleas and ticks. It is available as Bravecto in the market as a chewable tablet and topical solution. It is a lipophilic drug. It prevents fleas for about 12 weeks after a single dose 

Dose: 25 mg/kg


3. Afoxolaner: 

Afoxolaner belongs to the same group as fluralaner. It is FDA approved for use in dogs for the treatment of flea allergic dermatitis. It is available in the market as a chewable tablet named as nexguard. 

Dose: 2.5 mg/kg monthly

4. Fipronil: 

Fipronil is a commonly used insecticide. It is cost friendly. It is used in the form of spray. It is available in the market 0.25% solution named Frontline. It is not recommended in puppies and kittens less than 8 weeks of age.

(Written by: Doctor Muhammad USMAN SAJID)