Medicine

Moxidectin and pyrantel (Simparica Trio™) against induced

infestations of Ixodes scapularis on dogs

The black-legged (or deer) tick, Ixodes scapularis, infests dogs in the
United States and is a vector of significant zoonotic infections such as
Borrelia burgdorferi. In a well-controlled laboratory trial, the speed of kill
of a novel oral combination treatment, Simparica TrioTM, including
sarolaner, moxidectin, and pyrantel, was assessed against an existing
infestation. The rapid commencement of activity is critical in lowering tick
feeding activity and hence the potential of infection transmission. Efficacy
of 94.2% at 24 hours after re-infestation through Day 28 was maintained
throughout the month. (Holzmer, S., Kryda, K., Mahabir, S.P. et
al. Evaluation of the speed of kill of a novel orally administered
combination product containing sarolaner, moxidectin and pyrantel
(Simparica Trio™) against induced infestations of Ixodes scapularis on
dogs. Parasites Vectors 13, 76 (2020).

https://doi.org/10.1186/s13071-020-3953-2)

Environment
Potential of Traditional Knowledge of Plants in the Management of
Arthropods in Livestock Industry with Focus on (Acari) Ticks

Ticks are the most important arthropod disease vectors, surpassing all
other haematophagous arthropods in number and variety of diseases they
transmit to animals and humans. 231 plants showed a variety of bioactive
properties, namely, being toxic, repellent, antifeedant, and antiovipositant
and ability to immobilize target tick species. Majority of these plants are
holistic in action, economically affordable, user friendly, easily adaptable
and accessible, and environmentally friendly. People education and
awareness campaign programmes and events have never been effectively,
efficiently, and extensively planned and conducted for the case of livestock
ticks. This section describes and discusses a varied number of sources and
methods used to access information on plants and plant products with
effects on livestock. Local veterinarians, paraveterinarians, and agricultural
extension officers were accessed and discussions held. Local livestock
traders and dealers, as well as individual livestock farmers, contributed
their knowledge of ethnoveterinary medicine. Africa is the most affected
continent with tick infestation and tick-borne diseases. 40% of 210
reported research on ethnobotanical acaricides being conducted in Africa.
A number of plants that have been conventionally examined for acaricidal
properties include Melinis minutiflora, Commiphora erythraea and C.
myrrh. Other many African plant species with potential for use in tick
control and management programmes have been documented. The
existence of plants with multiple bioactive properties in Africa offers
challenges and opportunities to save African countries the high costs for
importing acaricides. Some plants possess hairs (trichomes) that prevent
ticks from climbing to the top in order to attain a suitable posture for
attaching to a host animal. Other traditional methods of tick control and
management, for example, hand deticking and intergrazing could also be
integrated into the above-mentioned management system options.
Ethnobotanicals can be easily adopted by researchers to improve tick
control and management systems for African livestock. The plants in Table
3 and others yet to be discovered from African communities will only be of
value to and benefit African livestock industry if the mistrust between
ethnopractitioners and researchers is amicably bridged. Researchers and
rural resource-poor livestock farmers are still independent and closed,
each group working on its own without letting the information benefit
either side. The antitick ethnobotanical plants offer great potentials in tick
control programmes and management strategies. Their applications are
simple and could be used by local communities with minimal external help.
Ethnobotanicals are biodegradable, holistic and additive, synergetic, and
nutritive in their action. The effectiveness of these "best bets"
ethnopractices can be greatest if appropriately blended with conventional
technologies and active involvement of livestock-holding communities.
(José L. Rios Volume 2017 | Article
ID 8647919 | https://doi.org/10.1155/2017/8647919).
Hygiene
Ticks of Dogs

The antitick ethnobotanical plants offer great potentials in tick

control programmes and management strategies. They are biodegradable,
holistic and additive, synergetic, and nutritive in their action. Little
attention has been given to assess the effectiveness and efficacy of these
plants in integrated tick management programmes. The effectiveness of
these "best bets" ethnopractices can be greatest if appropriately blended
with conventional technologies and active involvement of the livestock-
holding communities. Ticks have four stages of development: egg, larva,
nymph, and adult.

Most tick species have a preferred feeding position on a host, but in

large infestations, ticks may attach themselves anywhere they can find a
feeding spot. Otobius megnini ticks like to attach themselves to their hosts'
ears and are frequently neglected by pet owners. Q fever, tularemia,
Colorado tick fever, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever can all be
transmitted by this tick. If your dog is infested with ticks, you should take it
to a veterinarian right away. Heavy infestations can cause serious skin
damage and increase the risk of anemia, paralysis, and other consequences.

Keeping animals away from tick-infested regions is the most efficient

strategy to reduce exposure. Tick populations are reduced when these
microhabitats are destroyed. (By Karen A. Moriello, DVM, DACVD,
Department of Medical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University
of Wisconsin-Madison Medically Reviewed Jun 2018 | Modified Oct 2022)

https://www.msdvetmanual.com/dog-owners/skin-disorders-of-
dogs/ticks-of-dogs
Foods
Garlic
Some home treatments for fleas claim that garlic, especially when
combined with brewer's yeast, repels fleas. According to the notion,
when a dog consumes this mixture of garlic and brewer's yeast and
sweats, the garlic fragrance emits from the dog's body, making him an
unpleasant feast for fleas. This treatment frequently recommends
sprinkling garlic and brewer's yeast on your dog's diet. However,
physicians frequently advise against using this possibly harmful
treatment technique. "Because dogs and cats do not sweat like people,
garlic is not an effective flea or tick repellant on them," explains Dr. Mike
Hutchinson of Animal General of Cranberry Township in Pennsylvania.
Garlic, in addition to not being an effective therapeutic approach, can be
hazardous to dogs if consumed in excessive quantities. Garlic should be
kept away from pets.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Using vinegar to kill fleas, like using garlic, is not suggested since it is
hazardous and ineffective. The scent and stickiness of apple cider
vinegar sprayed on your pet's bedding or directly on your pet will keep
you away, but fleas and ticks aren't as fussy. Forcing your cat to drink
vinegar will not keep fleas and ticks away. Apple cider vinegar,
sometimes known as ACV, is gaining popularity as a natural cure-all.
While there may be health advantages for humans, dogs and cats are not
just furry people, and they should not take ACV. Because your pets lick
themselves, anything you spray on them or their bedding will ultimately
wash off.

Cedar Oil

"While cedar oil may repel some pests, it may also be quite irritating to
the skin surface, which is why I do not advocate it," Dr. Hutchinson
explains. When not applied directly to the skin, the oil might cause skin
irritation. Many dogs get skin issues as a result of lying on a bed filled
with cedar shavings. And skin problems aren't the only thing to be
concerned about. If enough cedar oil is consumed, for example, by a dog
licking his skin after being treated, it might cause liver damage. Even
inhaling little drops of cedar oil might cause lung issues. The basic
conclusion is that, while cedar oil smells wonderful and may keep a few
(but far from all) parasites at bay, it should not be used on or around
dogs. Other oil extracts, such as tea tree oil or eucalyptus oil, are also not
advised since the quantity required to repel fleas and ticks is extremely
hazardous to dogs and cats.

Salt
The use of salt to eliminate fleas is both hazardous and useless. If your
dog or cat licks it or gets it up his nose, the amount of salt necessary to
destroy flea eggs and larvae is harmful to him. A truckload of salt
poured into every surface and crevice in your house would be required
to ensure that all flea eggs and larvae are dried up.

Baking Soda

Baking soda will not kill adult fleas and will provide no protection for
your dogs. It absorbs odors well and has been advised for use as a flea
killer by several online pet stores because it "may" dry up flea eggs and
larvae. However, there is no proof that using baking soda to kill fleas
works.

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil has several applications. Coconut oil's polyunsaturated fatty

acids can help decrease inflammation and promote cognitive function in
dogs. However, coconut oil has little effect on repelling fleas and ticks.
Coconut oil should never be administered to your dog's skin unless your
doctor recommends it for minor irritation or dryness (although other
oils may be better). Oil applied to your dog's skin will just make your
floor and furnishings oily. The tiny coating of coconut oil on your dog's
skin is ineffective against these stubborn parasites. The straightforward
answer to the question, "Does coconut oil kill fleas?" " is an unequivocal
no.
(PetMD Editorial P U B L I S H E D :   M A Y 1 6 , 2 0 1 6 U P D A T E D :   J U N E
3 , 2 0 1 9 By: Dr. Geoff Williams)
https://www.petmd.com/dog/parasites/5-flea-and-tick-treatments-dont-
work