26 Responsible Pet Ownership

PARASITES - TICKS, FLEAS, FLIES, LICE, MITES

Discuss with your veterinarian an appropriate means of

control. These little bloodsuckers are easily controllable

when the correct products are used in an appropriate

schedule of prevention.

Lice

Lice are species-specific, meaning you get a dog louse, a

cat louse and so on. And yes, there are fish lice, bird lice,

rat lice and the like. While they do not normally cause harm

in and of themselves beyond some itching, they can often

carry fatal diseases. To eradicate them, both the pet and his

environment need to be treated. Repeatedly, so that you kill

all the different life stages of the lice. Consult your vet about

the best way to deal with them for your specific pet.

Fleas

Fleas like hairy or feathered hosts, so most reptiles are

safe. Dogs, cats, horses and other mammals and birds can

suffer from flea infestations though, so keep an eye out

for them. Consult your vet about the best way to deal with

them for your specific pet, as many of the treatments can

be damaging if used incorrectly.

Flying insects

There are a variety of flies that can cause problems in

horses and other animals. These include stable flies,

houseflies, horseflies and midges (which carry diseases

such as African Horse Sickness). Vaccinate your pets

against fly-borne diseases. Also deworm your animals

regularly, following the vet’s advice, to break the life cycle

of certain flying insects. Do everything in your power

to mechanically protect your pet’s environment against

flying insects – think fly screens, fly traps, fly sheets and

blankets. Always check with your vet before using insect

repellents, though. Avoid standing water as this is where

flies, mosquitoes and midges breed. Finally, keep cages,

crates, vivariums and stables spotless and remove all faeces

immediately to discourage fly larvae.

Ticks and mites

Ticks are eight-legged bugs who belong to the same family

as spiders. Because they are blood suckers, a heavy tick

infestation will cause anaemia and worse. Mites are in the

same family, and can cause allergic reactions, including in

humans. Use a dip, spray or ointment registered for tick

control in your pet’s species and apply exactly as instructed

by your vet.

Mites are best treated as an environmental issue, and you

may have to treat not only the pet’s cage and bedding but

also all human bedding, carpets and upholstery to finally

get rid of the critters.

The most common mite to infest snakes and lizards is

the Ophionyssus natricis, the snake mite. Though quite

small, these black, red or grey dot-sized pests can be

seen moving around on reptiles’ skin or under their scales,

and tend to congregate where the skin is thinnest (ears,

eyelids, armpits). Topical treatments work well, but always

remember to check with your vet first and to also treat the

environment.

Flying and creepinguglies

Our pets need protection against all sortsof parasites, including ticks, fleas, lice and flies