FLEAS
 The warm weather is here and so are the fleas! Flea infestations are terrible for our pets and us. Can you imagine how it feels to constantly have bugs crawling across your skin? And to top if off – many cats and dogs are allergic to and break out from the flea bite. That’s not good news, especially when you consider that even just one flea can lead to a full flea infestation in no time at all. One flea on your pet or in your home can multiply into as many as 100,000 in just 30 days!
Fleas generally begin their optimal life cycle when the temperature is above 70°F and as the humidity increases. The full breeding cycle peaks with temperatures (70°F to 85°F) and high humidity (70%). An adult flea can lay 15 to 20 eggs per day and over 2,000 in her lifetime. The adult lays eggs, which develop into larvae, then pupa and ultimately emerge as adults, in as little as 14 days, during peak conditions. So there you have it, that’s how one flea in your home can become a full flea infestation - imagine fleas on your cat and/or dog, in your carpets, sofas, clothing and even your bed in just 30 days. Protect your precious pets – and your home - from getting fleas and ticks. The only way to protect them is to treat them with a flea and tick prevention medication. Check with your veterinary professional for the best products for your pet. Don't' forget: indoor pets are at risk as well.
PET TRENDS AND STATISTICS
According to the 2011-2012 APPA National Pet Owners Survey, 62% of U.S. households own a pet, which equates to 72.9 millions homes.
In 1988, the first year the survey was conducted, 56% of U.S. households owned a pet as compared to 62% in 2008. Breakdown of pet ownership in the U.S. according to the 2011-2012 APPA National Pet Owners Survey:
Number of U.S. Households that Own a Pet (millions):
| Dog |
46.3 |
| Cat |
38.9 |
| Freshwater Fish |
11.9 |
| Bird |
5.7 |
| Small Animal |
5.0 |
| Reptile |
4.6 |
| Equine |
2.4 |
| Saltwater Fish |
0.7 |
Total Number of Pets Owned in the U.S. (millions):
| Freshwater Fish |
151.1 |
| Cat |
86.4 |
| Dog |
78.2 |
| Bird |
16.2 |
| Small Animal |
16.0 |
| Reptile |
13.0 |
| Saltwater Fish |
8.61 |
| Equine |
7.9 |
* Ownership statistics are gathered from APPA's 2011-2012 National Pet Owners Survey
FUN FACTS
** Barbara Bush's book about her english springer spaniel, "Millie's Book," was on the bestseller list for 29 weeks. Millie was the most popular "first" dog in history.
** A cat in a hurry can sprint at about thirty-one miles per hour.
** Before the enactment of the 1978 law that made it mandatory for dog owners in New York City to clean up after their pets, approximately 40 million pounds of dog excrement were deposited on the streets every year.
** A cat sees about six times better than a human at night because of the tapetum lucidum, a layer of extra reflecting cells which absorb light.
** A cat's brain is more similar to a man's brain than that of a dog.
** Dogs are mentioned 14 times in the Bible.
MONTHLY: Pet Loss Support Group
WHAT:
FREE support group, designed for adult clients of Paws, Whiskers & Wags, led by professional social worker, Christy R. Simpson, L.C.S.W., who specializes in Pet Bereavement & Grief Recovery. Christy has been providing mental health services for over 16 years and truly understands that times of loss can provide opportunities for growth. Come and share your story or just listen and receive support. You are not alone.
WHEN:
The first Tuesday of every month from 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Next Sessions: JUNE 4 & JULY 2
WHERE:
PWW Decatur office
PLEASE NOTE THIS UPCOMING EVENT: JUNE 8 (SAT.) 5:00-9:00 pm
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