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Humane Society of Broward County
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Due to the climate here in Florida, skin problems are very common in our pets. Many of these problems can mimic each other, so the proper diagnosis by your veterinarian is essential.
Fleas-
As you probably know, whether fleas bite you or your animals, the bites are very itchy. Fleas multiply rapidly and when a female lays her eggs, the eggs fall off your pet and into the environment. Then, within a few weeks, the eggs hatch and the new fleas jump back onto the host–your pet. To properly control and eliminate a flea problem, all animals in the house, as well as the environment, need to be treated. This means that even cats who stay inside must be treated for fleas, since your dog can carry them inside. There are a variety of products available at your veterinarian, including the product Frontline, which we use here at the Humane Society. Frontline controls fleas and ticks. Special carpet treatments are available in pet supply stores as well (read labels carefully before you use any of these products).
Ticks-
Ticks, like fleas, prefer to live on your pet–especially dogs. They can cause itchy lesions but more significantly, ticks can carry very serious diseases such as Ehrlichia and Lyme disease. The Ehrlichia organism infects the blood cells and can cause anemia and a low platelet count. This disease is fatal if not treated. Lyme disease is seen mostly in the northeast United States. Ticks start out as tiny specks, hardly noticeable. As they suck the animal's blood, their bodies become engorged.
Once the females lay their eggs, the adults fall off the animal and die, and the young continue to feed. Just as with fleas, your veterinarian has a variety of products that can be used topically to prevent a tick infestation. (At the shelter, we use Frontline for tick control, too.) It is important to treat the environment as well. Like fleas, ticks can live in your yard and house, so both areas need to be treated.
As a dog trainer and dog behaviorist, Edel Miedes of K9 ADVISORS, a professional dog training school that does in-home obedience dog training and K9 protection dog training in South Florida, supports pet rescue and service places such as this one. |
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ADDRESS - View
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2070 Griffin Rd, Ft Lauderdale, Florida, USA, 33312
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