Feather and Fur Animal Hospital

FLEAS BEWARE!

With all the wonderful rain we have gotten this year wild flowers are not the only things in abundance! Even if you haven't seen fleas on your pet in the past, this year may change that.

There are four stages in the life cycle of the flea:

Flea eggs are whitish and about 0.5 millimeter in length. They are unlikely to be seen without a magnifying glass. Eggs are laid by the adult flea after taking a blood meal. The eggs are initially laid on the dog’s skin but fall off into the environment to continue their life cycle. Flea eggs constitute approximately 50% of the total flea population. Eggs may hatch in as little as 14 to 28 days, depending on environmental conditions. High humidity, rain,  and temperature favor rapid hatching

Flea larvae are about 2-5 mm in length. They feed on organic debris found in their environment and on adult flea feces. They dislike bright light and move deep into carpet fibers or under furniture, organic debris, grass, branches, leaves and soil. Flea larvae prefer warm, dark and moist areas. Outdoor larval development occurs only in shaded, moist areas where flea infested pets spend a significant amount of time. Our climate-controlled homes offer an ideal environment for the flea larvae to thrive.

The flea pupae produce a protective silk-like cocoon which is sticky. It quickly becomes coated with grime and debris, which acts as a useful camouflage. With warmth and humidity, pupae become adult fleas in 5-10 days. The adults do not emerge from the cocoon unless stimulated by physical pressure, carbon dioxide or heat. This is important since once fleas emerge from the cocoon they can only exist for a few days unless they are able to feed. Pre-emergent adult fleas can survive within the cocoon for up to 9 months. During this time they are resistant to insecticides applied to the environment. This is important to remember because adult fleas may emerge into the environment a considerable time after you apply insecticides in your home.

Once it emerges, the flea adult, unlike the larvae, is attracted to light and heads to the surface in order to encounter a passing host to feed upon. Two days after the first blood meal, female fleas begin egg production. In normal circumstances the adult female will live up to three weeks, laying approximately 40 eggs per day. The entire life cycle, from egg to adult flea can be completed in 14-28 days depending on environmental conditions.

Apart from irritation, are fleas particularly harmful?

Fleas can cause anemia in heavy infestations, especially in young or debilitated dogs, flea allergy dermititis, and skin infections. A single female flea can take up to 15 times her body weight in blood over the several weeks of her adult life. In addition, fleas can carry several diseases, and also act as vectors to spread one of the most common tapeworms of the dog and cat, Diplylidium caninum.

How do I prevent fleas on my dog?

Successful flea control includes treating both the environment as well as your pet. Topical and oral flea preventions from your veterinarian as well as frequent vacuuming will help protect you and your pet. With persistence and patience, you and your pet will be flea-free in no time!

FLEA ,TICK, AND HEARTWORMS! OH MY!

AdvantageMulit-buy 6 months and get 2 months free.

K9 Advantix-buy 6 months and get 2 months free. 

Advantage - buy 6 months and get 2 months free.

Heartgard-buy 12 months and get $10 back.

Certifect- buy 6 months and 1 month free.

Comfortis- buy 6 months get $10 back or buy 12 months and get $20 back with mail in rebate

Trifexis-buy 6 months get $10 back or buy 12 months and get $20 back with mail in rebate. 

Feather and Fur Animal Hospital in Austin, TX is a full service companion animal hospital. It is our commitment to provide quality veterinary care throughout the life of your pet. Our services and facilities are designed to assist in routine preventive care for young, healthy pets; early detection and treatment of disease as your pet ages; and complete medical and surgical care as necessary during his or her lifetime.We understand the special role your pet plays in your family and are dedicated to becoming your partner in your pet's health care. We treat your pet as we would our own. Our goal is to practice the highest quality medicine and surgery with compassion and an emphasis on client education. Our entire health care team is committed to providing personal attention to the unique concerns of each individual pet owner.At this site, you will find information about our practice philosophy, our services, helpful forms to assist you and an extensive Pet Medical Library for you to search for additional pet health care information.

Keep Your Pet Safe This Year     
Positive Heartworm Cases since January 1, 2012 = 7

Positive Parvovirus Cases since January 1, 2012 =0 

ONLINE PHARMACY

Here at Feather and Fur we offer a full online pharmacy for all your pet's needs and your convenience. We recommend whenever purchasing prescriptions for your pet to go through a licensed veterinary pharmacy. Some discount internet companies have been known to sell expired products, products from foreign countries or prescriptions that are not approved by the veterinarian. When ordering prescriptions for your pet always make sure that you are making the safest choice.
For more information please visit the fda.gov website at: www.fda.gov/fdac/features/2006/606_pets.html

 Thank you for taking the time to read about our veterinary practice and the services we offer. We welcome your comments and suggestions.  Please contact us at (512)291-4000 for all your pet health care needs.