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Both fleas & ticks are parasites that can be bothersome to many species of animal, they are a common problem with dogs & cats. Both parasites feed on the blood of warm blooded mammals. Not only are fleas & ticks a nuisance but they also transmit diseases & parasites. Some of which include;
Fleas; Deer Tick;
- Lyme disease
- Tick-borne meningoencephalitis
Wood tick;
- Rocky mountain spotted fever
Paralysis tick;
Paralysis ticks inject a neurotoxin while feeding. A neurotoxin is a toxic substance which damages or destroys the cells of the central nervous system. This can quickly be fatal in pets if not treated aggressively. Humans too can be affected although it is much less common.
In Australia, disease caused by ticks (Ixodes Holocyclus) include;
- Australian Tick Typhus (also known as Spotted Fever, Rickettsial Spotted Fever, Queensland Tick Typhus).
- Flinders Island Spotted Fever
How to remove a tick:
Ticks should be removed as quickly as possible. It is recommended you wear a pair of latex gloves while removing a tick. Using tweezers or a tick remover (you can purchase these for a few dollars from your veterinarian) firmly grasp the tick's head, as close to the cat's skin as possible. Be extremely careful not to squeeze the body of the tick as this will inject more poison & pathogens into the body.
You can also kill the tick while on pets by using an appropriate insecticide, such as Frontline spray.
Flea & Tick treatment for pets:
There are many products on the market that can kill fleas & help prevent ticks. Your veterinarian is the best person to speak to to find out what is the best product for your pet. Some products include;
- Frontline Plus Top Spot (cats & dogs) - Fleas & ticks
- Frontline Spray (cats & dogs) - Fleas & ticks
- Advantix (dogs) - Fleas & ticks.
There are many more, but brands vary from country to country.
Preventing ticks in humans:
- If you are out in tick infested areas, wear long sleeved tops & pants. Tuck pants into socks.
- When you return home, check everybody for ticks.
- Spray clothing with an insecticide before going out in bushland etc.
- Wear light clothing, this makes ticks easier to see.
Preventing ticks in pets:
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Check your pet thoroughly every day for ticks. Start from the tip of the nose & work your way right down to the tail. Ensure you check between the toes, inside the ears (be careful).
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Avoid allowing your pet to wander in native bushland. Having said that, ticks can occur in gardens too.
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Regularly use insecticides such as the ones listed above if your pet goes outside
Preventing fleas:
- Regularly apply a flea treatment to your pet.
- If you do notice your pet has fleas, you will have to treat both the pet & your home, including the pet’s bedding etc. Foggers are the best way to do this.
Further reading: How To Treat Flea Bites on Humans:
Head Lice 
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