Fleas-ticks

Fleas are parasites that suck blood for their food, leaving small lesions that are similar to those of mosquito bites. "They are more than a skin problem," cautions Williams Miller, Jr., VMD, professor of clinical science at Cornells College of Veterinary Medicine. "They can become a serious health problem." Cats are fastidious groomers, so healthy adult cats will keep the number of fleas on their bodies low. "But if there is a significant number of fleas feeding on the animal, they can cause severe anemia," explains Dr. Miller.

According to Bayer Animal Health, Advantage and Advantix are now available over-the-counter. Formerly available only through veterinarians, these flea and tick products will now be sold at pet specialty retail and internet outlets.

My cat has just developed a black discharge in one ear. Ive never seen or heard of this kind of thing before. I have taken him to my veterinarian twice, and on each occasion, she cleaned the ear and microscopically examined the discharge. Im assured that there are no ear mites present. Whats the reason for the discharge and whats the prognosis?

The recipe for relief? Get those freeloaders off your animal and out of your home!

The risk of over-the-counter medications; some relief for flea allergies

The web gives adoption assistance; a link between weather and fleas