Fleas
Fleas are blood-sucking insects that have adapted to the parasitic life during their evolution.
The fleas of dogs and cats are almost always of the genus Ctenocephalydes spp., Can live from 6 to 8 months and have a cycle represented by a phase of free life and a phase of real parasitic life. They can be found in the animal usually for about 5 hours a day, due to the presence of droppings similar to sand grains.
On the animal, the male and female fleas mate and the female deposits the eggs, these fall on the ground and go to accumulate mainly where the animal spends more time.
Symptoms and disorders caused by fleas
When fleas are present, the animal tends to be nervous, it bites and scratches; in addition, flea saliva can cause allergies.
Fleas can cause damage to the animal by direct action, that is, by causing itching with serious consequences, up to the difficulty of eating, or through an allergic reaction.
Flea allergy dermatitis is one of the main allergic diseases found in dogs and cats. As anticipated, it is due to the fact that some animals are allergic to flea saliva. Saliva contains an haptenic substance that appears to connect with the collagen in the skin and form an antigenic complex. Thymus-dependent lymphocytes become sensitized and, following subsequent contact, develop an allergic reaction due to delayed hypersensitivity. This reaction damages the skin cells that emit lysozymes and other substances that induce the clinical symptoms of itching and erythema.
When a flea bites an allergic subject, it develops an important itching especially in the hips, the lumbar and sacral region and the inner thigh.
The animal often loses hair in these regions and develops very serious skin infections. Finally, fleas can be a vehicle for possible bacteria or secondary parasites.
Animal lice (generally not transmissible to humans, which are parasitized by other species) are whitish-looking blood sucking parasites, which present on the animal's hair lead to itching, greasiness of the hair and crusts on the skin.
Ticks are blood-sucking parasites; they are located at the level of the head, neck and interdigital spaces. Veterinary prophylaxis requires an anti-parasitic action of the animal through sprays or powders. The extraction of the tick from the animal's body must be done very carefully, avoiding breaking the body of the latter, which would remain inside the animal causing infection.
Products against fleas, lice and ticks
The use of synthetic pesticides - such as organophosphorus phosphates, carbamates or pyrethroids in the form of spot-on solutions, topicals, collars, etc. - can be toxic to puppies. Furthermore, these substances are continuously released into the environment in which the animal lives, releasing toxic substances at home, on the bed and on the couch, which is also a problem for humans.
Even in the care of pets, herbal remedies can represent a valid alternative to synthetic drugs, often burdened by heavy side effects.
Against fleas, piddoches and ticks, one can for example use essential oils with bactericidal, parasiticidal, healing and insectic repellent properties; among the most famous are those of Citronella, Lavanda, Eucalyptus, Thyme, Geranium and Neem oil.
It is however important to consider that phytotherapy is not free from risks and side effects, rather important when essential oils are used improperly. It is therefore recommended to use commercial products avoiding DIY, especially for non-experts in the field.
These products must be applied on the dog and the cat on the regions of the body most easily attacked by fleas, lice and ticks, namely the limbs, the axillary hollow, the groin, the lower part of the chest and abdomen, the neck and the ears. Best if applied before going out for a walk in order to fully benefit from their insect-repellent effect.
