Well Look What The Dog Brought In -- Infestations, Itching and Disease.National Pest Management Association The National Pest Management Association (NPMA), a non-profit organization with more than 5,000 members, was established in 1933 to support the professional pest control industry’s commitment to the protection of public health, food and property, reflected both in the Offers Advice on Keeping Pets Safe from Dangerous Pests FAIRFAX, Va. -- Summer is the prime time for pet pests such as fleas, ticks, flies and mosquitoes. Although animals tend to view pests as merely annoyances, they can pose substantial health risks to both the pets and their owners, warns the National Pest Management Association (NPMA NPMA National Pest Management Association NPMA National Property Management Association NPMA National Petroleum Management Association NPMA National Project Management Association NPMA Non-Preemptive Multiple Access NPMA National Podiatric Medical Association ). "These pests are known to transmit some potentially serious diseases like West Nile Virus West Nile virus, microorganism and the infection resulting from it, which typically produces no symptoms or a flulike condition. The virus is a flavivirus and is related to a number of viruses that cause encephalitis. , Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever Rocky Mountain spotted fever, infectious disease caused by a rickettsia. The germ is harbored by wild rodents and other animals and is carried by infected ticks that attach themselves to humans. and Lyme disease to animals and their human family," said Cindy Mannes, vice president of public affairs for NPMA. "Dogs can also contract heartworm heartworm Species (Dirofilaria immitis) of filarial worm that parasitizes mammals, especially dogs. Up to 500 adult heartworms, which can grow to 6–12 in. (15–30 cm) long, live in the dog's heart, and the microfilariae (embryonic larvae) pass into the blood. disease through mosquito bites-- an expensive illness to treat if it's not detected early." Another major concern is property infestation infestation /in·fes·ta·tion/ (-fes-ta´shun) parasitic attack or subsistence on the skin and/or its appendages, as by insects, mites, or ticks; sometimes used to denote parasitic invasion of the organs and tissues, as by helminths. . Pet pests can breed quickly and are difficult to locate once inside the home. "Fleas and ticks typically remain on the warm-blooded host. Yet, flea eggs roll off the host and hatch in carpets, furniture and bedding," says Mannes. "The small size and mobility of these pests make them hard to eradicate without the help of a pest professional once inside the home." NPMA offers the following tips for pet owners this summer: * Check your pet frequently for fleas, flea dirt and ticks, especially after the animal has been outside. Keep an eye out for excessive scratching, licking and nibbling nibbling Nutrition The consumption of multiple–up to 17–'mini-meals' per day, as opposed to the usual 3 meals/day. Cf Bingeing, Gorging. grooming behavior in your pet. * Avoid walking pets in tall grass where there is a greater chance of fleas and ticks hitching a ride * Eliminate sources of standing water in the yard, as these can be breeding grounds for mosquitoes. * Talk with a veterinarian about prevention and treatment options available to pets and inquire about heartworm protection. * Treat the animal's environment. Wash pet bedding and plush toys and vacuum carpets frequently. * Contact a pest professional to prevent potential or current infestations. To learn more about pet pests or to find a pest professional in your area visit www.pestworld.org or www.whatisipm.org. The NPMA, a non-profit organization with more than 5,000 members, was established in 1933 to support the pest management industry's commitment to the protection of public health, food and property. |
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