By ED BALDRIDGE
ed.baldridge@newssun.com
AVON PARK -- A local veterinarian is advising pet owners to be careful of an unusually active flea and tick season this year brought on by the unseasonably warm weather.
"It is going to be a totally abnormal year for fleas and ticks. We have already seen an explosion in the flea population," Dr. Jeff Saunders said.
Saunders, a veterinarian in Avon Park, wants to help pet prevent severe cases of flea infestation and is providing advice and education on the pet problem.
"Yes, it could be dangerous," said Saunders.
"We have given several blood transfusions to pets already this year. It started early this year, around Dec. 1, and the population is exploding because of the lack of cooler weather.
"Last year was pretty bad, but this year is starting earlier," said Saunders.
The long streak of warm dry weather is causing the problems, which should recede somewhat when the mercury is above 92 degrees.
"The fleas die off when the temperature gets above 92 degrees. They stop reproducing when the temperature gets above 91.8 degrees, so the hot weather helps," Saunders explained.
A recent study of Florida's flea problems headed by Dr. Michael Dryden from Kansas State University resulted in Tampa becoming the "Flea Capital of the U.S."
Dryden investigated more than 1,000 homes in the Tampa area and researched how the insects reproduce and react to certain flea products.
"I found that the number one cause of ongoing infestations was lack of an understanding of how to use the flea control product," Dryden's website states.
Saunders agreed with Dryden's assessment.
"The fleas have not developed a tolerance to treatment products, if used properly. There was some thought about that going around, but after some research, it was discovered that most people don't use the products as directed," Saunders said.
"Some people try to treat just the dog who is going outside and not treating the household cat, who stays indoors. The cat keeps the inventory and re-infects the dog.
"Some people are only treating when the fleas become visible. By then, the animal is infested and the treatment needs to be consistent," Saunders explained.
"That's one of the biggest problems. People don't treat regularly or treat every other month for the fleas. That inconsistency keeps the treatment from working to its fullest.
"Just a trip to the mailbox or outside to hang up clothes can bring in a lot of fleas. It's not that noticeable. The fleas drink the blood and causes the animal to become anemic," Saunders said.
"It can be deadly, especially in smaller animals. Newborn puppies or kittens are especially at risk," Saunders added.
"Most of the time, you can catch it before it becomes fatal. If you notice that your animal is not acting right, bring it in immediately or contact your veterinarian," he said.
"Don't wait for a few days to see if they get better. Most of the problems can be addressed before something serious happens," said Saunders.
Consistent monthly treatment is the key to keeping your pet safe, Saunders said, but he suggested to stay away from the cheaper off-the-shelf products.
"Be careful of the cheaper products developed in the '80s. When it comes to flea control, you get what you pay for. Some of the inexpensive products can actually harm your pet, especially cats," he said.
"When the little guys seem to be droopy or lethargic or not as active, if they are scratching a lot, if they stop taking food, that may mean the animal is anemic.".
"Call any vet in the county and ask questions. We are all here to help. Buy the better products and treat consistently.
" Remember that a vacuum is your friend. Use it on carpets regularly. The vibration can cause fleas to wake from their cocoon stage early. It also removes the pests," he said.
According to Saunders, safe and effective treatments for fleas and ticks is inexpensive and is done by weight.
Costs for the treatments run around $10 per month, Saunders said, but larger dogs, those around 150 pounds or more, can cost upwards to $25 per month.
For more information, or to speak with Dr. Saunders, you can call his office at 453-5700.
"I would be happy to talk to anyone about their pet's care," he said.
Wednesday, May 02, 2012 - www.newssun.com/050212-eb-fleas