Fleas & Hot Spots

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.

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

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

FLEA AND TICK COLLARS
Seresto

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

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

Image sourced from Pet MD, "The Lifecycle of the Flea", https://www.petmd.com/dog/infographic/lifecycle-flea

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

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