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Flea Control Secrets – Flea Allergy Dermatitis & Other Flea Complications

Fleas are not the only problem plaguing pets these days since there are some complications that fleas bring which could make your pet’s life miserable.

In addition to the transmission of disease, the most common flea complication risks to pets are:

tapeworm,
flea bite dermatitis, and
flea anemia.

Tapeworms

Tapeworms not only impact pets but they also poses a threat to humans.

Flea larvae ingest tapeworm eggs and if a pet swallows an adult flea (through licking or chewing) the tapeworm hatches and connects to the pet’s intestinal wall.

Signs of tapeworm include visible fragments in the pet’s excrement, weight loss, and scooting across the ground or carpet because of anal irritation.

To determine if your pet has tapeworms, and to treat a tapeworm infestation, take a fecal sample to your veterinarian.

Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD)

When pet fleas bite to feed, they insert salivary gland secretions into the skin. This saliva thins the blood but can also cause a rash in many pets.

The irritation causes the pet to chew and scratch. Excessive irritation may turn into red patches, hot spots, and bald patches.

Although many pet parents seek to treat this problem on their own, it is best to get a veterinary assessment to rule out any septic or systemic complications that may develop.

Flea Anemia

Flea caused anemia is a red blood cell deficiency that can be life threatening to young and older pets.

Pets that are the most susceptible to flea caused anemia are those who are small, sickly, or unable to adequately groom themselves.

Symptoms of flea anemia are weakness, lethargy, and pale (light pink or white) gums.

In some cases animals will eat small pebbles, rocks, or cat litter in attempts to replace vital minerals.

In the event of a heavy flea infestation, or if you suspect flea anemia, get your animal to the veterinary hospital immediately.

Do you have a specific flea control question? Learn more about flea treatments and remedies. 

Diana L Guerrero (aka Ark Lady) is an animal expert who you might have seen on Animal Planet, Discovery, or heard on NPR. She is the author of several books including Flea Control Secrets : How to Get Rid of Fleas & Live Flea Free! Get additional tips and hints on flea control along with breaking news on the EPA advisory by following her on Twitter (user name FleaControlBook) or at the Flea Control Secrets page on Facebook.

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Eczema soap for babies ? 4 Secrets to keeping Eczema at bay.

If you have a new angel baby in your life skin care is one of your top concerns. Just about every mother can tell a story of diaper rash, cradle cap or eczema that just wouldn’t go away. Like any Mom you will try just about any idea or advice that someone gives you. You look for that magic soap that will make it all go away. Some items you try work, but for a short time. So you end up frustrated and at a doctor’s office asking for help. Usually, you walk away with an expensive prescription for a cream that works, but that rash or eczema comes back once the presecription is used up and you don’t know why. Here are the secrets we find work best for dealing with eczema for your angel baby.

Understand the remedy is not in the soap you’re using but in the products you’re avoiding. This is the golden rule when it comes to finding soap for eczema or any skin care product for your baby’s eczema. Your angel baby’s eczema and rashs are often triggered by exposure to something, not by a lack of using soap or lotions.

Eliminate the exposure to sulfates. If you could only do one thing to help out your little one’s sensitive skin this would be it. Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate are just a few of the common forms. Sulfates are in laundry detergent, liquid soap, dish soap, hand soap, shampoo and just about any cleaning product. It’s even in toothpaste and some hand lotions and body lotions. While sulfates do a good job at cleaning away dirt and oil they also do a great job at irritating skin and especially baby skin. They are a very small molecule and can penetrate the pores of your skin causing irritation. So when shopping for soap or lotions for your infant or toddler look for products that are sulfate free.

Look for all natural body products. Caution: Just because something says “natural” on the label doesn’t make it so, but it’s a good start when shopping. TRUE natural products will not contain sulfates, parabens, siloxanes, methicones or dimethicones.

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. The best defense is often a good offense. Keep your loved one’s skin hydrated even when their eczema isn’t bad. Once you get control of their eczema and all is well remember it can come back at any time. Use that all natural lotion you found and keep your angel baby skin supple and soft.

Keith McDonnell is the author of this article. To know more about Oil For Face, Face Oil and Soap Handmade, please visit this link Salt Scrubs

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