Fleas

Adding more info to the fleas category before I move on to another subject. I just want people to understand that fleas are not only irritating and gross but they can cause serious health issues. On very young puppies and kittens a heavy load of fleas can cause flea anemia. They will suck alot of the blood out of these tiny little guys and if not treated it has killed many new borns. It is also really hard on our geriatric group. The very Young and the older animals are alot more susceptible to flea problems and the loss of blood that can occur. You have to be VERY careful what type of flea product you can use on this group of pets. You need to get this medicine from your vet and they will usually tell you to spray it or apply it to a washcloth or paper towel and then rub it on the newborn, never apply it directly to their skin. Wash the bedding they are in if possible.
 If you do have a flea problem then you will also need to get the animal treated for tapeworms. These are  the type of worms that they can get from fleas or eating small rodents such as mice,squirrels etc. They require a special type of worm medicine and the  normal worm medicine you get at the department stores won't kill these guys. Tapeworms aren't spread from animal to animal they must ingest the flea or rodent themselves.
 A heavy load of fleas will also cause skin issues like loss of hair and scabs all over the body. These will lead to a bacterial skin infection or possible a yeast infection, so again, they will need to see a vet.
 Prevention is key and even though the meds are expensive the conditions they can cause will be more expensive. 
 Keep your pets on a flea preventative in most areas of the country year round. In the Northwest areas you guys are lucky and probably don't even know what fleas look like.