As dog owners, you need to ensure that you protect your dogs from ticks, fleas and mites. These parasites can cause a range of health problems for your dogs such as skin irritation, allergic reactions and more serious illnesses like Lyme disease. Although ticks, fleas and mites are more prevalent in rural areas, that does not mean that you don’t have to guard against them in the city. These pests can be anywhere.

In this article, we will look at the different types of common pests in South Africa and what you can do about them.

Common ticks in South Africa

There are more than 30 species of tick around South Africa and some of the more common varieties are

1.       Amblyomma hebraeum (bont-legged tick)

2.       Rhipicephalus Decoloratus (blue tick)

3.       Rhipicephalus microplus (cattle tick)

4.       Rhipicelphalus evertsi evertsi (red-legged tick)

5.       Heamaphysalis elliptica (tortoise tick)

These ticks can carry a range of diseases, including tick-bite fever, heartwater, and ehrlichiosis among others. Dog owners need to take measures to prevent ticks from infesting their dogs and potentially transmitting diseases. An animal with tick-bite fever can die within 48 hours of being bitten.

Common fleas around South Africa

South Africa has several types of fleas, but the most common flea species that affect dogs and cats are

1.       Ctenocephalides felis (cat flea)

2.       Ctenocephalides canis (dog flea)

The cat flea is the most common flea species found on dogs and cats in South Africa. Despite its name, it can infest both cats and dogs, as well as other animals. The cat flea can transmit diseases such as flea allergy dermatitis and bordetellosis, which is also known as cat scratch fever.

The dog flea, on the other hand, is less common and found in colder regions. The dog flea can cause the same diseases as the cat flea.

Dog owners need to take measures to prevent flea infestations as they can easily spread to your home and person.

Common mites in South Africa

Several types of mites can infest dogs and cats in South Africa. The most common types are

1.       Demodex mites are a type of mite that naturally live in pet hair follicles. They usually don’t cause any problems, but in some cases, they can overpopulate and cause a condition called demodectic mange which can cause hair loss, itch and skin infections.

2.       Sarcoptes scabiei mites, which are also known as scabies mites. They burrow into the skin and cause intense itching, hair loss and skin irritation. They can be transmitted between pets and can also infest humans.

3.       Otodectes cynotis mites, which are a  type of mite that infests the ears of animals, causing intense itching and ear infections. They are also referred to as ear mites.

Mites are a common parasite that can infest dogs, causing a range of skin issues and discomfort. Some of the signs that your dogs have mites are intense itching and scratching, skin irritation and inflammation, hair loss, and foul odor and in some cases, you may be able to see the mites on your dog’s skin, especially if they are in large numbers.

 
How to treat fleas, mites and ticks from infesting your dogs

One of the best preventative measures for keeping your dogs pest free is to administer Simparica Tablets. Simparica Tablets are a monthly oral medication that is designed to protect your dog from a range of parasites.

Simparica is a broad-spectrum parasite preventive medication and is effective against fleas, ticks and mites and works by interfering with the nervous system of parasites, leading to their death.

How does Simparica work?

The active ingredient in Simparica tablets is Sarolaner which interferes with the nervous system of parasites. It is however important to note that Simparica may not be effective against all species of parasites. Some species may be more resistant to certain medications and there may be regional variations in parasite prevalence and susceptibility.

Simparica is effective against cat flea and dog flea, as well as ticks such as the brown dog tick and the American dog tick. Sarcoptic mange mites and demodedic mange mites are also controlled effectively by Simparica tablets.

What are the benefits of using Simparica tablets?

Simparica Tablets are fast acting and start working within hours of administration, killing fleas and ticks before they have a chance to bite and transmit diseases.

Simparica is Long-lasting and provides continuous protection for a full month.

The Simparica Tablets are administered easily through a chewable, meat-flavoured tablet.

Simparica is effective against multiple parasites and reduces the risk of transmission of diseases by killing parasites before they bite.

The tablet is safe for most dogs and there are only a few reported side effects such as nausea, but these reports are far and few in between. If you know your dog is sensitive to medication it might be prudent to contact your local veterinarian for a consultation.

 

How long are Simparica tablets effective?

One Simparica tablet lasts for a month, the packet comes with 3 chewable tablets so your pet will be protected for 3 months.

The Simparica tablet is chewable and can be given directly or hidden in another piece of food for more discerning dogs. If your dog has a history of vomiting after taking medications, you may want to give them Simparica Tablets with a small amount of food to help prevent nausea.

I missed giving my dog the Simparica Tablet dose, what to do now?

If you forget to give your dog their monthly dose of Simparica tablets, give it to them as soon as you remember. However, if it has been more than 15 days since the missed dose, it’s best to start the monthly dosing schedule over again. Never give your dog two doses at once, as this can increase the risk of side effects.

What precautions should you take before giving Simparica Tablets?

Simparica tablets are generally safe for most dogs, but there are a few precautions you should keep in mind.

Firstly, these tablets are not recommended for puppies under 6 months of age or dogs that weigh less than 1.27 kg. Speak to your veterinarian before administering Simparica tablets to pregnant or nursing dogs.

Finally, if your dog has a history of seizures, it is important to talk to your veterinarian before giving them Simparica tablets as the tablets may worsen their seizures.

To ensure maximum protection against fleas, ticks and mites, follow the instructions on the Simparica package insert and use the medication as directed by your veterinarian. Additionally, you need to practice good flea and tick prevention habits, such as keeping your home clean, clearing your yard of debris and tall grass, regularly grooming your pet and avoiding contact with other animals that may have parasites.

In conclusion, Simparica tablets are an effective and convenient option for tick, flea and mite prevention in dogs. They provide fast-acting, long-lasting protection and are easy to administer. If you’re looking for a reliable way to protect your beloved canine from parasites, talk to your veterinarian about whether Simparica tablets are right for your furry friend.

For every Simparica product sold, AgMarket donates R5 to the Agri Relief Foundation which aids our farmers in South Africa, financially and otherwise in times of distress such as flooding, drought and wildfires.

You can get your Simparica tablets at the AgMarket online store. Simply add Simparica tablets to your cart, enter your delivery address and contact details, and complete the checkout by choosing your payment gateway and making your payment. The supplier will pack your order and send it off with the courier to be delivered to your doorstep.