Fleas – a groomer’s worst nightmare?
Flea infestations are something groomers try to avoid at all costs. Beware the new client that books their dog in for a long session because their coat is ‘tangled.’ All too often groomers discover they have taken on more than they bargained for but why are fleas so feared? About fleas: Fleas are parasites that feed on blood. Fleas can live on any warm-blooded animal, but seem to prefer to live on humans, cats, dogs and rodents. They can also infest pet bedding, carpets, blankets.
So why are fleas so feared? Fleas are best known for spreading the Bubonic Plague. They also transmit the bacterial disease murine typhus to humans through infected rats. Their saliva is an allergen that can cause allergic reactions in pets and humans. Fleas can also transfer tapeworms and cause anemia in pets. Flea bites cause painful, itchy red bumps.
Pesky Parasites Debby Knight LCGI of The Bristles Dog Grooming and Training Centre - an Assessment Centre for Summit Training Group, shares her knowledge of pesky parasites: Parasites...The thought we may catch or be carrying parasites is not a nice one , but the reality is working around dogs , we have a very good chance of being infected by them. Tapeworms, Roundworms, Giardia, Cryptosporidium, P.Falciparum, D.Fragilis,Toxoplasma, Guinea Worm, Lice, Scabies, Fleas and Ticks to name but a few. So let’s look at the different parasites: LICE - these insects live on your blood and there are three types, head , 44 | Total Grooming Magazine
Flea fact file: Fleas transport themselves on rodents and other mammals, and usually remain on their hosts at all times. The most common species is the cat flea, which often feasts on cats, dogs and humans. Fleas do not fly. Instead, they jump from one place to another. In fact, fleas can jump as high as 8” vertically, which is 150 times their own height. If we could do this, we would be able to leap over skyscrapers! • Size: 1/12” to 1/6” • Shape: Flat • Color: Dark, reddish brown • Legs: 6 • Wings: No • Antenna: Yes • Clean and vacuum frequently to keep areas flea-free. Give dogs lots of baths, regular flea and tick treatments. There are natural products now available that can also help to keep these pests at bay.
