IT'S FLEA SEASON, TOO!

The images and most of the text from this article is © 2006 Novartis Animal Health Inc.

Anyone whose pet has ever had fleas knows the misery these tiny parasites can cause. Flea saliva is considered one of the most irritating substances on earth — which is not hard to believe when you see a beloved pet scratching frantically all night long.

Flea bites do damage beyond irritating your pet. Flea bites can cause a serious skin condition known as FAD (flea allergy dermatitis). In addition, fleas can carry tapeworm, a harmful intestinal parasite.

Once allowed into the home, fleas can quickly cause an infestation, and they will even bite humans when looking for a host. Some symptoms of flea bites include scratching, biting, broken skin and hair loss.

If you see grains resembling salt and pepper around the house, it could mean that fleas are breeding on your pet. If you should notice any of these signs, call your veterinarian immediately.

Flea saliva is one of the most allergenic substances known to man. Thousands of cats and dogs suffer from Flea Allergic Dermatitis (FAD or "flea bite allergy"), a painful, itchy skin condition that causes major irritation and hair loss. Dogs and cats that are very sensitive to flea saliva have strong reactions, even if there are only a few fleas on the pet. The first reaction is usually a red circle, which forms a swollen bump and crusts over. After that, several changes are possible:

• skin infections affecting the skin surface (superficial pyoderma)
• scaling, crusting, yellowish patches on the skin (seborrhea)
• reddening of the skin over various parts of the body (diffuse erythema)
• hair loss
• "hot spots" - bare, eroded, oozing patches (a severe localized skin infection or pyoderma)

The itching that occurs in dogs with FAD is intense and results in self-mutilation. Generally, sores can be found over the inner thigh and abdomen and along the back and hindquarters. Once the animal is showing sores, it is time to see your veterinarian for immediate relief and help with a flea control program to resolve the problem completely.

Fleas carry a common species of tapeworm from one animal to another, and occasionally to humans--particularly children. Tapeworms are easily detected by the pet owner. Small rice-like objects (sometimes moving) are seen in the poop, and small sesame seed-like objects are seen clinging to the fur on the hind end of the animal near the base of the tail. Until you get rid of the fleas, the tapeworm problem will continue even after successful worming.

When fleas bite, they 'swallow' a small amount of the blood. One flea meal won't usually cause a problem for adult cats and dogs unless they are allergic or sensitive. But many fleas can swallow enough blood to kill a small puppy or kitten, and seriously weaken older or already sick animals.

Once on a host, adult fleas take a blood meal and mate. The feces from the blood meals is often called "flea dirt". Within 36 to 48 hours, the female begins laying eggs. Flea eggs are pearly white, oval with rounded ends and approximately 0.5 mm long. Eggs typically make up 50% of an infestation in the home. The female flea lays her eggs in the hair of the host. Since the eggs are not sticky, they roll off the host into the environment. Thus, flea eggs may be deposited in all those places to which the dog or cat has access. Female fleas can lay from 20 to 50 eggs a day and up to 2000 eggs during their lifetime. Newly hatched flea larvae are slender, white, segmented and worm-like. They are free moving and survive by feeding on "flea dirt" which has fallen off the host. Flea larvae have been observed to crawl as far as 20 feet while in this stage of their life cycle!

Since larvae avoid light and prefer to move downward, they are usually found deep in carpet fibers, mattress or couch stuffing materials or organic debris (branches, leaves, etc.). They gather in areas where the animal spends a great amount of time--typically in pet resting areas. They are not usually found in open lawn. Flea larvae are extremely susceptible to heat and drying. Moisture is essential for development; they die in very dry areas. The larval stage usually lasts 5 to 11 days and will account for about 35% of an infestation in a home.

Note from webmaster: A good flea comb (or lice comb) with metal tines will help catch fleas, detect flea dirt, and is great for grooming and removing excess fur. I have 4 dogs and two cats and almost no flea problems. My veterinarian approves of my methods of flea control, and most of it is very inexpensive. My main method of controlling light infestations in our house (once detected with my flea comb) is to sprinkle a small amount of borax on our floor, leave it for about a day, then vacuum it up. Borax can be found in the laundry section of most stores which sell detergents. It is less than $3 for a large box (the only brand I've seen is 20 Mule Team) and it is completely safe around even kittens and babies. It works by drying out the flea larvae, since it has a very small amount of boric acid (which is also inexpensive and fairly safe in much smaller amounts). I mix half carpet powder and half borax, then just sprinkle it on our floors at the first sign of flea dirt or a flea. Leaving it for a day also allows a tiny bit to get on our animals' fur and help keep fleas off.

There are periods especially in the summer and fall when fleas are too heavy for these inexpensive, gentle preventatives. If borax, occasional shampoo and combing do not rid your home and animal of fleas, the best methods are veterinary-prescribed flea control. Please do not use flea collars. They do not work, and worse, they can cause sores and even shelter fleas and ticks. Flea sprays and powders available in stores without prescriptions can be very dangerous, and have caused serious illness and death in cats, puppies, kittens and children. Your veterinarian may suggest over-the-counter products, however they will discuss precautions with you to avoid danger. Although I usually keep my home and animals free of fleas using borax, occasional Dawn baths, and regular flea combing, I do give each animal regular veterinary care and sometimes must use prescribed flea control during heavy infestations. I do not suggest using household solutions without at least annual veterinary exams and discussing these methods with your veterinarian.

The presence of fleas is not an indication of a "dirty" home. Regardless of sanitary conditions a flea is able to survive in a home as long as there is a host on which to feed. If the newly emerged flea does not find a host, it can survive for 1 to 3 weeks before requiring a blood meal, but once they initiate feeding the flea must be able to feed again within 4 days or it will die. Adult fleas have thin, flattened bodies and backward-directing spines on their legs and bodies that facilitate forward movement through fur, hair or feathers and prevent them from being easily dislodged. Adults make up only about 5% of a population. Fleas are wingless, but have strongly developed legs that permit them to jump up to 100 times their own body length (8 inches vertically and 15 inches horizontally). That's the equivalent of a human jumping the length of three football fields. Fleas are very resilient in their environment due to their strong insect exoskeletons made up of a substance called chitin (KITE-IN). It is this shell that helps the flea survive on the pet. Once on a host, the flea initiates feeding within seconds and egg production begins within 48 hours.

Contrary to what has been commonly reported, the adult flea does not leave the host unless it is forced off. Therefore, once on a suitable host, fleas do not leave their host voluntarily. They remain until removed by ingestion, grooming behavior, dying a natural death, or dying from chemical induced death (insecticide application). The drawback with any adulticide only treatment is the 85% of the pre-adults waiting to develop in the environment. The adult flea can survive on the host and maintain some reproduction for 2-4 weeks under most natural conditions, but if not killed prematurely an adult flea may live as long as 4 months.

SOME FLEA CONTROL PRODUCTS CAN KILL CATS

ASPCA Warns Animal Owners: Read The Label!

Each year as flea season approaches, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) receives thousands of calls from pet owners who have accidentally misused flea control products on their cats. There are almost 20 brands of products containing permethrin currently available that are labeled "for dogs only." Because when used on cats--even in small amounts--these products can spell big trouble.

"The misuse of flea and tick products can be extremely harmful and even deadly to our companion animals," says Dr. Steven Hansen, APCC Senior Vice President. Signs commonly seen with permethrin toxicity in cats include tremors, muscle fasciculation (twitching) and seizures. These symptoms can develop within hours, or may be delayed up to 48 hours. Most cats have a good chance of recovery with prompt and aggressive veterinary treatment, which may include medication, IV fluids, bathing and other supportive care.

APCC experts urge you to consult with your veterinarian before purchasing products to control fleas on your pet or in your home--and always read the product instructions completely before using any product on your pet. Adds Hansen, "By simply taking the time to read a product label carefully, a pet owner could save his or her animal's life."

If you have used a flea control product and notice that your cat is exhibiting any of the above symptoms, call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center's emergency hotline at (888) 426-4435 for round-the-clock telephone assistance. For more pet poison prevention tips, please visit APCC online.

TERRE HAUTE PETS ALIVE TRANSPORT

Please spread the word by printing this Terre Haute Pets ALIVE Transport Program [PDF] flyer with current dates and prices. It is three-to-a-page and double-sided. Help area dogs and cats by printing several and distributing them wherever they can be seen by people who might need this program. Good places include (with permission) churches, laundromats, work, community centers, social services, waiting rooms, beauty shops, bulletin boards, neighbors with animals, locations offering "free" kittens or puppies, etc. Prices and schedule subject to change without notice.

We thank the following for their assistance with this monthly effort:

• Terre Haute Police Department's Environmental Division for loading, unloading, and caring for the animals during transports, as well as helping inform residents of this low-cost service
• Thompson's Honda and Motorsports and Toyota of Terre Haute for allowing us to use their building for our monthly drop-off location
• Mayor Burke for allowing us to use the City Hall parking area for our monthly pick-up location, as well as authorizing the help of the Environmental Division
• Tribune-Star and other media sources for announcing our Registration Sessions
• Terre Haute Humane Society, Harmony Haven, League for Animal Welfare, and Vigo County Sheriff's Department Animal Control Officer Ron Shaw for helping direct the public to our service
• Sallie, Pat, Linda, Elaine, Angie, Barbara and all of the volunteers who help register, transport, and support the program

Indiana Low-Cost Clinics

Pets ALIVE Spay/Neuter Clinic

Pets ALIVE is a Bloomington-based non-profit organization dedicated to ending pet over-population in South-Central Indiana, through the operation of a regional, low-cost spay/neuter clinic. Pets ALIVE has reached out to form partnership agreements with animal welfare groups within a 75-mile radius of Bloomington. Pets ALIVE will provide regularly scheduled animal transport services, free of charge, for these groups.

Neuter Scooter Mobile Cat Spay/Neuter Clinic

Neuter Scooter Mobile Cat Spay/Neuter Clinic charges $50.00 per cat the day of the clinic or a discounted $40 (plus $3 service fee) pay in advance online. Rabies vaccine and a four way vaccine are given at no charge if requested! Other services are offered for additional fees, including post-op pain medication for $10. Based in Bloomington, Indiana, the Neuter Scooter travels throughout Indiana, Illinois, Florida & Ohio offering low-cost spay/neuter & vaccination services. To see when they will be in your area and register for one of their clinics, simply visit their website and fill out the registration online or call 1-866-MOBLVET (662-5838).

FACE Low-Cost Spay-Neuter Clinic

The Foundation Against Companion-Animal Euthanasia (FACE) operates a high-volume, low-cost spay/neuter clinic in Indianapolis for dogs and cats located at 1505 Massachusetts Avenue, Indianapolis IN 46201. Prices are $20 to neuter or spay a cat, $30 to neuter a male dog, and $30 to spay a female dog under 61 lbs or $40 to spay a female dog 61lbs-100lbs. An extra $10 fee may be charged if the animal is pregnant. They also offer vaccines, testing, AVID Microchipping, and other minimal services. The process is simple. Just call 317-638-FACE (317-638-3223) Mondays through Thursdays between 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. to make an appointment.

North Central Indiana Spay and Neuter (NCISN) Clinic

The North Central Indiana Spay and Neuter (NCISN) clinic located in the Lafayette, IN area, offers $40 cat spay or neuter, $50 Male dog neuter and $75 female dog spay. Limited Appointments Available - Includes rabies vaccination! Please call 765-497-3141 or email pleasespay (at) yahoo.com or pleasespay (at) yahoo.com for information on reduced fee spay/neuter for your dog or cat!

Hamilton County Low Cost Spay Neuter Clinic

The Hamilton County Low Cost Spay Neuter Clinic is located in the County's new animal shelter building and will share space with the Humane Society for Hamilton County at 1721 Pleasant Street, Suite B Noblesville, IN 46060. They offer spay and neuters from 4 months up for dogs and cats. Prices for male dogs is $20.00 under 50 lbs and $25 for 50 lbs or larger. Female dogs are $25.00 under 35 lbs, $30.00 between 35 to 70 lbs, $40.00 between 70 to 91 lbs, $50.00 between 91 to 150 lbs, and $55.00 for over 150 lbs. Male cats are $15.00 and female cats are $20.00. Call 317-706-0537 for information.

Community-Specific Assistance

Clay County Humane Society

COUPONS

The Clay County Humane Society in Brazil, IN, is pleased to offer Spay/Neuter discount coupons for dogs or cats of Clay County. They will distribute 25 coupons valued at $20 off the Spay/Neuter surgery costs for any pet which was not adopted from their Shelter. These coupons are available on a first come/first serve basis on the first business day of the month For further information on costs and scheduling, call the shelter at 812-446-5126.

Greene County Humane Society

The Greene County Humane Society in Linton, IN has spay/neuter vouchers available to help the citizens of Greene County. Call 812-847-4780 or toll free 877-842-6899 for more information.

C.A.R.E. - Community Animal Rescue Effort, Inc.

They provide assistance mainly to the city of Columbus and Bartholomew county Indiana. "Have multiple animals or need financial assistance? CARE can help! Call (812) 546-5859 for more info about our spay/neuter assistance program. Sorry, limited to Bartholomew Co. residents only at this time."

Spay-Neuter Services of Indiana, Inc. (SNSI)

They provide financial assistance to the following Central Indiana counties: Boone, Hamilton, Hancock, Hendricks, Johnson, Madison, Marion, Morgan, Shelby, and Tipton.

PAAIN Inc. - People Assisting Animals In Need

They provide a Spay/Neuter Assistance program to the following Indiana counties: Decatur, Franklin, and Ripley.

Friends of Animals - Dearborn County (IN)

Spay Neuter Vouchers Available for Dearborn County Area Residents. They have received a grant from the DJ&T Foundation to subsidize spay/neuter procedures for companion animals in their area. This grant allows financial assistance to those requiring it in order to have their pets (dogs and cats only) spayed or neutered. If you live in that area and are in need of financial assistance to prevent unwanted/unplanned litters, please contact Friends of Animals at gmale (at) seidata.com for further information.

Harrison County FREE Spay/Neuter Project

FREE spay and neuter services are offered to Harrison County residents. Pet guardians are urged to help eliminate pet overpopulation by making an appointment to have their dogs and cats spayed or neutered. Phone 812-969-2615 or email tanyalynn (at) epowerc.net for more information or to make an appointment.

Low Cost Spay & Neuter Clinic

Low Cost Spay & Neuter Clinic, 1313 Broadway, Fort Wayne, IN 46802-3305. For more information, phone 260-424-5982

Spay Neuter Assistance Programs (SNAPs)

SNAPs provide financial assistance to qualified low-income residents of their particular counties. Contact these groups for more information on their programs:

• Bartholomew County Humane Society - 812-372-6063
• Dubois County Humane Society - 812-482-7387 located at 426 Wernsing Road (in Jasper, Indiana 47547) which is on the south side of Jasper, one block off Hwy. 231.
• Fort Wayne Animal Care & Control - 260-427-1244 located at 3020 Hillegas Rd.; Ft. Wayne, IN 46808.
• Johnson County Humane Society - 317-767-9696
• Marion-Grant Humane Society - 765-664-1111 Low income families also eligible for the Spay/Neuter voucher with proof of need (i.e. food stamps recipients, SSI recipients, etc.). The voucher fee is $35.00 for all animals.
• Monroe County Humane Association - 812-333-6242 MCHA is committed to helping the animals of their community through our Spay-Neuter Assistance Program (SNAP). This program helps lower-income families and individuals offset the cost of surgery. With proof of need, any resident of Monroe County can apply to the MCHA for financial assistance and still use the local veterinarian of their choice.
• Morgan County Humane Society - 765-349-9177 MCHS provides spay/neuter assistance to low income, pet owned families. To qualify, you must be a Morgan County resident. You will also need come in to, or call the shelter to fill out an application.
• Humane Society for Hamilton County - 317-773-4974 For lower income Hamilton County residents, SNAP (Spay/Neuter Assistance Program) can help get your pet spayed or neutered for just $10. You must fill out an application, pay the $10 fee and provide verification that you meet the income eligibility requirements listed at their web site. (Please do not be discouraged if you don’t quite meet the requirements. Fill out the application anyway! Many times they can still help.)
• Pals for Paws - 765-454-8796 For their SNAP program, you must fill out an application verifying income and include a $10 fee. If you qualify, you will receive a coupon worth $50 to use at a participating Vet. This coupon will cover the Spay/Neuter Assistance Program Spay/Neuter surgery and distemper and rabies vaccinations.
• Tippecanoe County Humane Society - 765-474-5222
• Hendricks County Humane Society - 317-745-8181 They sponsor H.O.P.E. (Help Over-Population End), a low cost spay/neuter program. The HOPE Program is open to all pet owners. Several local veterinarians participate in the program for them. Pet owners must pay for a HOPE certificate that they then take to a veterinarian on the programs to get the reduced rate.
• White River Humane Society - 812-279-2457

A comprehensive list of Indiana resources groups can be found in the Indiana-PAW database.

Illinois Low-Cost Programs

Here is an excellent list of Low-Cost Spay/Neuter Programs in Illinois - from People and Animals in Community Together Humane Society.

Away from Indiana

• NeuterSpay.org provides a list of worldwide low cost or free spay & neuter resources for pets and feral cats.
• Call 1-888-PETS911 (1-888-738-7911) and follow the instructions, or visit PETS911.com. Enter your zip code, click on "Go," and click on "Spay Neuter."
• Friends of Animals offers low cost spay/neuter vouchers. Call 1-800-321-PETS (1-800-321-7387).
• Call SPAY/USA at 1-800-248-SPAY (1-800-248-7729) between the hours of 9 am and 5 pm EST. SPAY/USA has low cost spay/neuter programs in 1,000 locations across all 50 states.
• Visit Love That Cat! for a listing by state of low cost spay/neuter clinics.
• Call your local humane society or animal care and control facility for information on a low cost clinic in your area. Find contact information for local groups at PETS911.com.
• Visit PBRC's Spay/Neuter Assistance for an application for Pit Bull Rescue Central Spay/Neuter funding and many other resources.
• Do a search (using an engine such as Google, Yahoo!, Dogpile, Ask Jeeves, or WebCrawler) with the words "low cost spay neuter."

EVERY DAY IS TAG DAY

Identification is your pets' ticket home!

Tagging and microchipping your pets is essential to helping them find their way home if they are lost. The American Humane Association is leading a nationwide campaign to encourage all pet owners to microchip and tag their companion animals. Last year, of the 3,067 animals Terre Haute Humane Society received, the shelter was only able to return 288 animals to their owners.

No matter how careful owners are, pets often find a way of slipping away at least once. This is why all pets need to wear tags at all times. Even cats who are always inside need to wear a tag on a collar especially made for cats. (These collars have a short piece of elastic sewn in them which allow the cat to escape if it gets caught on furniture or other material.) Many times, well-intending people who find lost pets must remove the collar with the ID tag from the squirming, excited animal so they can read the information and contact the owner. This is why a secondary, permanent ID like a microchip, is necessary as well. Please, for your pet's sake, show you care by properly identifying them.

REPORT ABUSE

Most of the text from this article is © 2006 Helping Animals, a PeTa website

Every state has laws prohibiting cruel treatment of animals. The definition of cruelty varies slightly from place to place, but in general, an animal must be provided with food, water, and shelter and cannot be mistreated. Trust your instincts! If you see an animal in distress, don’t hesitate to take action.

Where to Start

Anyone can file a cruelty-to-animals complaint and ask for a humane officer to come check on an animal. In larger towns and cities, look in the blue pages of the phone book for the number of the animal control department, humane society, or Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. In rural areas without an animal protection department, the county sheriff or regional police department enforces the anti-cruelty statutes.

If the animal victim is not in immediate need of rescue, check state and local animal-protection laws by visiting your local library or city hall or by conducting an online search. Print out a copy of any laws that you believe are being violated, and be ready to cite these laws to authorities. To back up your report, it’s smart to have a copy of your anti-cruelty statutes on hand. For local codes, go to www.municode.com/resources/online_Library.asp or contact your local City/County Clerk's office to obtain detailed information, specific to your area and needs. For state statutes, go to www.animal-law.org/statutes/ or your local library to get a copy of your state’s laws.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) enforces the federal Animal Welfare Act, which offers protection to some animals used in exhibition, such as circuses, zoos, and traveling shows. The USDA’s authority does not supersede local authorities’ ability to investigate or press charges, although local humane officers can be reluctant to get involved in cases involving exotic animals. Remember, you have the right to insist that local authorities investigate your complaint.

Gathering Evidence

Once you have determined which law-enforcement agency to contact (and ensured that the animal is not in imminent danger), provide authorities with a short, concise, factual, written statement, detailing the key points of what you have observed and giving dates, locations, and approximate times. Timely fact-gathering is crucial. The more time that passes, the greater the risk that specifics will be forgotten, witnesses will move, evidence will disappear, injuries will heal, etc. If you can, take pictures and date them; photographic or videotaped evidence fortifies your case, and short, factual, written statements from other witnesses will back up your observations.

Always keep a record of everyone you contact (official or otherwise), the dates of the contacts, and the content and outcome of your discussions. Never pass on a letter, photograph, or any documentation without first creating a copy for your file. Make it crystal clear to authorities that you wish to pursue this case and are willing to lend your assistance if necessary, and be sure to follow up! If you stay involved, they’re more likely to do the same.

Law-enforcement officials should inspect the animal visually, and if possible, conduct a hands-on field exam (referred to as “palpating” the animal) in order to find injuries or an otherwise unhealthy physical condition that may be obscured by the victim’s fur. Officials will often be fooled by a dog who “acts happy,” but manic or social behavior does not mean that the animal is safe; he or she may just be anxious to please or desperate for attention. A more thorough examination is necessary, and an injured or clearly endangered animal must not be left behind. The crime scene should also be thoroughly inspected for any indication that abuse has occurred. Suspects and neighbors (potential witnesses) should be interviewed. If the investigator agrees that your complaint has merit, a warning may be issued, charges filed, a warrant served, and/or the animal(s) removed.

Pursuing Your Case

Persistence has saved countless animals from abusive people. If you are unable to get satisfaction from law-enforcement officers, go straight to their supervisors. If necessary, appeal to local government officials, such as the mayor, prosecutor, city council members, or county commissioners. A simple call to the media (TV and print) in your area can move mountains. News coverage often forces officials to act and can also scare the abuser into stopping the cruel behavior. News coverage may also inspire viewers who have seen similar acts to step forward and share their own accounts.

If you have personally witnessed an act of cruelty, you can go to your local magistrate or police commissioner and swear out a warrant to summon the abuser to court. Expert witnesses can be very helpful. A veterinarian, for example, can sign a statement that it is his or her “expert opinion” that a dog suffers if swung by a leash, deprived of food, etc. If you know a sympathetic veterinarian, seek his or her assistance, and let officials know that you have expert support.

Contact Pet-Abuse.Com for Help

Advocating for abused or neglected animals can be difficult and heart-wrenching, but they are depending on you to find the strength to take action. You are in the position to make all the difference in the world for the animals in your community. Please feel free to contact www.pet-abuse.com if you need guidance or support, or if officials fail to respond quickly to your complaint.