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FLEA AND HOT SPOT FACTS & PREVENTION

​Fleas and hotspots can cause some real discomfort and issues for dingoes. Luckily, there are several methods of prevention and treatment.

Fleas

FACTS
  • Are more common during summer months, in warm and damp environments
  • Adult fleas can live up to 4 months on a host
  • Females lay around 4,000 eggs after 1-2 days on the host
  • Flea larvae can survive up to 200 days in the environment
  • If untreated, fleas can cause allergic reactions and severe dermatitis and infections
SIGNS
  • Excessive scratching and licking
  • Black spots on coat (flea droppings)
  • Flea eggs on dingo & in environment
  • Scabs or hot spots on skin
  • Hair loss
  • Allergic dermatitis (to flea saliva)
  • Tapeworm- flea larvae can be infected with tapeworms, transmitted to the dingo if the flea is eaten
  • Commonly affected areas include the rump, thighs, tail base, belly, flanks and upper arms
REMOVAL OF FLEAS
  • Use a flea comb and warm, soapy water to remove fleas from the animal's hair. This is particularly useful for pups- it is important not to subject a young animal to chemicals
  • Medicated shampoos and flea combs can be used in light flea infestations, and hot, soapy water can kill fleas
  • Remove fleas from the animal's environment by vacuuming, regularly changing bedding and keeping everything hygienic
COMMON FLEA TREATMENTS & PREVENTION
ORAL FLEA TREATMENTS
Comfortis
  • Lasts 1 month
  • Not safe for puppies <14 weeks, or pregnant and lactating females
TOPICAL FLEA TREATMENTS
Advantage Duo, Advantage for Dogs and Cats, Advantix, Advocate
  • Lasts 1 month
  • Advantage for Dogs and Cats is safe to use on puppies >6 weeks, as well as pregnant and lactating females
Frontline Spray, Frontline Top Spot, Frontline Plus
  • Spot on treatment
  • Lasts 1 month
  • Frontline Spray safe for puppies >2 days old, as well as pregnant and lactating females
  • Frontline Top Spot safe for puppies >8 weeks, as well as breeding, pregnant and lactating females
Revolution
  • Spot on treatment
  • Lasts 1 month
  • Safe for use in puppies >6 weeks, as well as pregnant and lactating females
FLEA AND TICK COLLARS
Seresto
  • Lasts 8 months
  • Safe for puppies >8 weeks
  • Not safe for pregnant and lactating females
Steroids and antihistamines may be prescribed to relieve itching and other symptoms
NATURAL FLEA TREATMENT & PREVENTION
​Neem Oil
  • Sprays are effective for up to 8 hours
  • Dilute Neem Oil at a minimum of 1:10, with either a carrier oil such as olive or coconut, or into a cooled mixture of green tea and fennel
  • Pregnant and lactating females should only be given Neem Oil infusions at half strength
Flea-Killing Rinse
  • This topical treatment kills adult fleas and soothes the skin
  • Add 10 drops of tea tree oil and 1 tablespoon aloe vera juice to 235 ml dog shampoo, shake well. Massage through the coat for 5-10 minutes, then rinse out with a mixture of 50/50 apple cider vinegar and water
Citrus Rub
  • Save orange, lemon and grapefruit peels
  • Puree them in a blender, then add enough boiled water to form a paste
  • Store in the fridge
  • Rub on coats to repel flies, fleas and ticks
Soaps that Repel Fleas
  • Neem Oil soaps/ shampoos, organic rose bar, or peppermint soaps washed through the coat help to repel fleas
Quercetin
  • This is a flavonoid that has antihistamine and anti-inflammatory properties
  • It can help to relieve itching and allergies
  • Dosage: 250 mg Quercetin per 20 kg body weight
  • Not advised for pregnant or lactating females, or individuals with kidney disease
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Image sourced from Pet MD, "The Lifecycle of the Flea", https://www.petmd.com/dog/infographic/lifecycle-flea

Hot Spots

FACTS
  • Also known as acute moist dermatitis
  • Commonly caused by allergies, and bites from fleas and ticks. They can also be more prominent in the warmer months
  • Renowned for spreading very quickly in a short period of time
  • If left untreated, they can become extremely infected and painful for your animal
  • They are the moist red sores that appear on the animal's skin, as a result of bacterial infection
  • They are not always easy to see at first- if you notice a damp patch on your animal's coat that appears to have been there for >1 day, separate the hair so that you can properly assess the skin underneath
  • Signs include:
    • Hair loss
    • Scabs
    • Oozing sores
    • Your animal paying particular attention to one area (e.g., licking, biting, scratching)
TREATMENT
  • Clip the hair around the affected area. This allows the wound to be cleaned and monitored properly
  • The area can be cleaned with an astringent or antiseptic spray. If the hot spot is particularly inflamed, you can use diluted Betadine or warm salt water. Often, these two things can be kinder on the skin
  • Pat the area dry. Keeping the wound dry and clean will speed up the healing process
  • Daily cleaning will help with healing. The use of antibacterial ointments can also be helpful. Red Healer cream can also be used
  • Severe cases will need vet attention. If the wound is not healing and the animal is extremely uncomfortable and unhappy, please take them to see your local veterinarian
NATURAL TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR MILD HOT SPOTS
  • Organic, unrefined coconut oil applied to the area after it has been cleaned and dried
  • Coconut oil's anti-fungal and antibacterial effects help to heal mild cases of hot spots
Picture
Image sourced from Pet MD, "How to Treat Hot Spots on Dogs", https://www.petmd.com/dog/care/evr_hot_spots_what_are_they
REFERENCES
  • https://pets.webmd.com/dogs/guide/fleas-dogs-what-look-for#1
  • https://www.petwave.com/Dogs/Health/Fleas/Treatment.aspx
  • http://www.pet-informed-veterinary-advice-online.com/flea-life-cycle.html
  • https://www.pethealthnetwork.com/dog-health/dog-diseases-conditions-a-z/hot-spots-dogs
  • https://www.petmd.com/dog/care/evr_hot_spots_what_are_they
  • http://ottawavalleydogwhisperer.blogspot.com/2013/05/diy-natural-herbal-homeopathic-flea_18.html

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