Ticks and Fleas: Prevention for Dogs and Cats

Ticks and fleas are not just annoying. They can pass on serious diseases. In Cyprus, with our warm weather, they are active almost all year.

Why protect all year?

In colder countries, parasites "sleep" through the winter. Here winters are mild, so ticks and fleas never fully stop. There are more of them in spring and summer, but they are still around in winter. That is why, for most pets in Cyprus, we usually suggest protection all year, with a plan based on your pet's risk and lifestyle.

What do ticks do?

Ticks feed on blood and can pass on diseases such as ehrlichiosis and babesiosis. Watch for these signs:

• Fever and tiredness
• Pale gums
• Bleeding, for example from the nose
• Poor appetite or not eating

If you see them, come in for a check. With blood tests at the clinic we can usually find out quickly what is going on.

What do fleas do?

• They cause itching and often a skin allergy.
• They can pass on tapeworm, a gut worm.
• In puppies and kittens, a lot of fleas can cause anaemia.

Most fleas are not on your pet but in your home, as eggs and larvae in beds, rugs and sofas.

How to protect your pet

There are collars, spot-on treatments and tablets. Your vet chooses the right one based on your pet's age, weight and lifestyle. For protection to work:

• Give it on time. We send you SMS reminders.
• Protect all the pets in your home, not just the one with fleas.
• Wash pet beds often and vacuum well.

Check after every walk

After every walk, especially in grass and fields, feel with your hands:

• In and around the ears
• On the neck, under the collar
• Between the toes
• In the armpits and on the belly

How to remove a tick safely

1. Use a tick remover tool.
2. Hold the tick as close to the skin as you can.
3. Twist gently, without pulling, until the whole tick comes out.
4. Clean the area.

Do not squeeze it, burn it or put oil or alcohol on it. If you are not sure, or part of the tick stays in, come in and we will take a look.

Found fleas? What to do

1. Come in so we can choose the right treatment for every pet in your home.
2. Wash your pet's beds, blankets and cushions in hot water.
3. Vacuum rugs, sofas and corners well, and empty the vacuum outside your home straight away.
4. Keep up the protection for a few months. Eggs keep hatching new fleas for weeks, so if you stop too early the problem comes back.

Common questions

My cat never goes outside. Does she need protection?

It depends. Indoor cats have a lower risk, but fleas can still come into the home on our clothes and shoes or on other pets. We will look at your cat's risk and tell you what suits her.

How can I tell if my pet has fleas?

Comb the coat with a fine comb over white paper. If small black specks fall out and turn red when you wet them, that is flea dirt. It means fleas are there, even if you cannot see them.

Do natural products work?

Many "natural" products have not been shown to work, and some essential oils are dangerous, especially for cats. Ask us before you put anything on your pet.

Can people get them?

Fleas can bite people too, mostly on the legs. Ticks can also attach to people. When you protect your pet and clean your home, you protect your family as well.

This article is for information only and does not replace an examination by a vet. If you are worried about your pet, please contact us.