Owning a furry buddy means committing to provide them with the best care possible.
As living creatures, they need your attention.
However, pet ownership also requires allocating funds for essentials such as food, veterinary care, grooming, and other necessities.
Tick infections are among the many issues your companion animals may face without proper care.
New Sarawak Tribune briefly interviewed Pikha Satah, a professional pet groomer, to discuss ticks, fleas, and other pet-related queries among our furry friends.
Q: What are ticks and fleas?
A: They are tiny, agile parasites that can transmit various species of Bartonella bacteria, most commonly Bartonella henselae, which can make your pet sick.
As bloodsucking insects, they pose a significant risk, especially to young or frail pets who can die from excessive blood loss. Untreated infestations in adult pets can also lead to serious health risks.
Both fleas and ticks can cause irritation and itching. Fleas, in particular, can lead to extreme itchiness, causing pets to suffer from red, raw, or bloody sores due to over-scratching. Ticks, on the other hand, can cause skin irritation along with more serious symptoms.
What should owners do if their pets have fleas?
Send them immediately to a grooming centre or veterinary clinic to prevent the infection from worsening.
Usually, I shave the pet’s fur before attempting to remove the fleas, so I can see the actual condition of the infection clearly.
After that, I bathe the pets with medicated shampoo to eliminate as many fleas and ticks as possible. These pests will die within two to three hours after being bathed with the medicated shampoo.
To prevent future infestations, I recommend that pet owners apply tick or flea spot drops to their pets monthly or use a tick collar. These collars can be purchased at veterinary clinics or pet shops.
Additionally, to avoid flea attacks in the future, I advise owners to clean their pets’ roaming areas, as well as their resting and sleeping places.
Which food is best for pets: Wet or dry?
I recommend wet food and milk for kittens or puppies starting at six to eight weeks of age. As they grow and begin to learn how to chew, you may gradually introduce dry food. Adults can eat both dry and wet food.
It is important for owners to choose food that is appropriate for their pets’ needs, ideally high in vitamins and nutrients.
Remember, not all cheap food is of bad quality, and not all expensive food is good. Select the most suitable diet for your pets, considering your budget.
Any tips for beginners looking to give their own pets a bath at home?
Grooming is essential for a pet’s cleanliness, freshness, and overall health. Owners can perform basic grooming tasks at home, including bathing and drying their pets.
When bathing your pet, use warm water and ensure that water does not enter their ears or nose. It is also important to use a shampoo specifically designed for pets. After bathing, gently dry your furry buddy with a towel, then use a hair dryer on a low, comfortable setting to finish drying their fur. Finally, use a pet comb to brush their fur, leaving them looking nice and fresh.
How to keep pets’ fur healthy at all times?
Food plays a critical role in producing beautiful fur, as a pet’s body and fur reflect what they consume.
It is highly recommended that owners provide nutrient- and vitamin-rich food to their pets. Strengthening their immune systems can be achieved by supplementing their diet with ingredients such as brewer’s yeast, coconut oil, salmon oil, and others. Additionally, since shampoo affects both their coats and skin, it is important to choose wisely.
