Bees

A bee sting is unpleasant for your dog at the best of times, but if he suffers an acute allergic reaction, it could be extremely dangerous. Be careful about where you take your dog for walks and stay away from scented shampoos and rinses which may attract bees. If your Golden is stung and has any rapid swelling, hoarse or open mouth breathing -- get to a vet immediately!

Fleas

Summer is the prime season for fleas -- check for them if your dog scratches constantly; you may find them near the base of his tail or on his belly. If you don't see any, look for 'Flea dirt' (dark, gritty particles that are actually dried blood and insects' feces) in your pet's coat.

Many dogs are allergic to flea bites. Some are so sensitive that just one bite can cause a severe case of flea- allergy dermatitis, which can lead to skin irritation, hair loss and even secondary skin infections. Fleas can also transmit internal parasites, such as tapeworms, and can cause anemia.

A successful fight against the flea involves a three pronged attack. You must combat the flea on the dog, in the house (carpet and furniture) and in the yard. You must also target the flea eggs and larval fleas as well as the adults, or you might as well surrender before you ever begin. To make the three-pronged attack safe as well as successful, stick to one family of pesticides and follow instructions to the letter. Consult your veterinarian for advice on what your dog can tolerate and what products can and cannot be used together.

Before beginning your flea eradication program, read the labels on the products and follow the directions. This cannot be overstated. Severe reactions can occur if the products are not used properly. If you have questions, ask your veterinarian. Because chemicals are excreted through the liver, use caution when using them around older dogs.

Flea Control Products

Two new types of products have improved flea control in the last couple of years. These are the Insect Growth Regulators (IGRs) methoprene and fenoxycarb; and the Insect Development Inhibitor (IDI) lufenuron, the active ingredient in the new once-a-month flea pill, Program.

These are all compounds which sterilize fleas, helping to prevent the development of large infestations in the environment. (Since one flea can produce 600 eggs a month this is important.) They are hormones, not insecticides, and are highly specific to insects and so virtually inert and non-toxic to mammals.

Methoprene and fenoxycarb have been marketed for several years in combination sprays and powders with the relatively mild insecticides, pyrethrins or pyrethroids. Pyrethrins, in their natural form, are extracted from chrysanthemum plants. Pyrethroids are chemical analogues which are altered to make compounds which are longer acting and more stable in sunlight. The combination pyrethroid/IGR sprays and powders are effective at repelling fleas, killing the adults and preventing the hatching of eggs on the animal. However, they are cumbersome to administer and wash off whenever the pet swims. For Golden owners whose dogs might be in water daily, this is a particular inconvenience.

A collar (Ovitrol Flea Egg Collar) containing strictly methoprene (Precor) is now available. Unlike previous flea collars which contained various organophosphate compounds which are considerably more toxic and often ineffective in the collar form, the strictly methoprene-containing collars do not purport to kill adult fleas. Their use is simply to prevent the build-up of heavy infestations on the pet. The advantage of these collars is that they are long acting (4 months for dogs, 12 months for cats), simple and extremely safe.

Program (the monthly pill) does essentially the same thing. Because it is given once a month for the four months or so of flea season, it is more costly than the methoprene collar, but if your dog loses collars, or you find them unsightly, the oral method may be preferable.

FRONTLINE kills adult fleas. It is applied to the pet's coat as a spray or spot-on. It is not affected by bathing or swimming. One application will control fleas for 1-3 months in dogs and one month in cats.

Though more expensive than Program, Frontline does offer some advantages. In particular, not only does it safely control fleas, but it is also has excellent action against ticks. Frontline is especially useful in pets with flea bite allergy or hypersensitivity. Unlike Program, it will help any pet in the household even if the others aren't treated.

The bottom line: Both IGRs and IDIs can help reduce the amount of toxic chemical you might need. By using them, you will probably escape major house, yard or kennel treatments. But, neither will prevent adult fleas from pestering your pet. During the months from August to October, particularly if your pet has flea allergies, you will probably need to use a repellent/adulticide powder or spray to round out your flea control efforts.

Types of Chemical Flea Treatments

Carbamates: Rapid, strong, short-term pesticides that act as cholinesterase inhibitors, disrupting a flea's nervous system

Methoprene: Hormonal growth inhibitor that halts flea development

Organophosphates: Other high-strength, fast-acting cholinesterase inhibitors. Malathion and diazinon are examples. Do not use in conjunction with deworming.

Pyrethrum (or pyrethrin, the synthetic version): Made from chrysanthemums; the least toxic of the non-herbal pesticides. Also works rapidly for a short period of time, attacking a flea's nervous system. Repeated applications may be necessary. Also may repel fleas. Despite the seemingly harmless floral source, it still should be used with care.

Rotenone: Short-acting; made from poisonous Indonesian plant; also works on flea's nervous system.

Collars are best used along with other preventive measures and should not be used as a cure in cases of extensive infestation. They work by releasing chemicals which are absorbed into the dog's body. If they get wet, the chemicals are released in greater quantities which can have an effect on the dog's nervous system.

Dips are often organophosphates. They provide the strongest protection and usually last about two weeks. Follow instructions carefully.

Powder is difficult to work through heavy coats. It can build up to toxic levels, especially when used with other products. Also, fleas must come directly in contact with the product, which is not always easy with thick coats.

Shampoos wash away many fleas but have little residual effect unless followed up with sprays or dips and environmental (yard) applications. Many contain pyrethrins.

Sprays kill some fleas but cannot control heavy infestation and don't work well on thick coats. They are short acting but help repel when used with environmental treatment programs. Alcohol-based sprays can be irritating to some animals. Most sprays contain pyrethrins for a quick knock-down effect.

Ticks

Although ticks get a lot of attention in the Spring when they hatch, it is in the Fall when they are in their adult stage. As many as 50% of deer ticks are infected with Lyme disease, 25% are infested with babesiosis (which can cause anemia).

Deer ticks can transmit disease to humans and pets after becoming attached to skin or scalp. Frequent tick checks (at least once a day) are essential for you and your dog. Prompt removal of ticks and application of iodine to the area will help prevent illness. If undetected, ticks feed and then drop off the body. The longer ticks feed, the greater the chance of infection.

Use repellants recommended by your veterinarian if you have a tick infestation on your property.


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