Week’s Review of Canine Social Media – 10/8/22

By Doggieuk9
/ October 8, 2022
/ Blog, Weekend Updates
/ Tags: Some wonderful dog situations from Social Media, The Mythbuster Vet on Fleas & Tics

Welcome to the Week’s Review of Canine Social Media

Welcome to this Special Feature on the DoggieU K9 Blog for an update on this week’s dog-related media and social media from around the world. There are so many stories. Here we will share some of the best stories this week.

Enjoy & share them.

The Mythbuster Vet on Fleas & Tics

Seasons May Change, but Fleas and Ticks Don’t Care

According to veterinarian Dr. Lisa Lippman, there are 3 important myths that pet owners believe about our pets and pests.

As the seasons change in the Northern Hemisphere, one thing that doesn’t change is the risk fleas and ticks pose to pet health.

There is a great deal of folklore about when and where dogs and cats are at risk, causing confusion and potentially jeopardizing pet health.

Myth #1: After the first frost, my pet is safe from fleas and ticks.

Dr Lippman states that “It may come as a surprise, but this is not true! Several species of ticks, including the ones that cause Lyme disease, can remain active in fall and winter months. Similar with fleas, while they enjoy the warmer months, if they have a food source (your pet) they will happily survive year-round. Furthermore, their complex life cycle (hatch to larvae to pupa to adult and over again) means continuous control measures are critical.” A flea infestation ahead of the holidays would be detrimental to pets and their families as it is costly, and removal can take months.

Myth #2: Fleas and ticks are pests that mainly affect dogs and cats in rural areas.

“This is utterly false. Fleas and ticks are present in many environments, from shaded wooded areas to the most urban landscapes, and their ranges are expanding due to climate change, distribution of wildlife and other factors1,” informs Dr. Lippman.
“This is very concerning as a pet owner who enjoys city parks or country trails because ticks are present, and their bites are tricky to detect on our furry and busy pets.”
As for fleas, dogs and cats are very susceptible no matter where they live or spend their time, indoors or outdoors.

Myth #3: These pests are merely a nuisance.

“Fleas and ticks are certainly bothersome, but they are also vectors of dangerous disease. The incidence of flea- and tick-borne diseases is on the rise, potentially leading to sickness and even death in pets, as well as humans. If you live in a high-risk area, it is important to take action to protect you and your pets,” shares Dr. Lippman.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), every year is a big year for tick-borne diseases with nearly half a million people diagnosed and treated each year. The geographic prevalence of Lyme disease continues to expand southward and westward, as tracked by the Companion Animal Parasite Council, with persisting high risk in the Northeast and Upper Midwest regions.
Protection is necessary in every season, not just at home but wherever you go with your pet – in the backyard, on the road or on the trail. But another astonishing fact is, on average, dog owners using monthly preventative products only administer four out of 12 doses per year, which can leave pet health at risk.

It is time to enjoy the best of the Fall season together with your dog or cat. Just make sure that you keep year-round protection in place.

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