Cat - Sand Fleas

Sand fleas are one of the most dangerous species of fleas commonly found in the North Pacific region. They are the parasitic crustaceans who attach themselves to the flesh and scale of the other water creatures, and then eat the creatures they are attached to. Various water creatures who are the common targets of these sand fleas are small fish, swordfish, sunfish, flying fish, starfish, and even whales. The size of the sand fleas can vary in size from as small as a small grain of sand to three or four times larger. Their attack is localized, as one part of the host can be seen to be severely affected by these fleas, while other parts show no damage. As a first step of their predation on the host's body, sand fleas first appear to feed off their outer layer of slime. Then the fleas slowly eat away the top layer of the host's skin. Their presence on the host's body is made evident by the presence of a non-glossy, whitened appearance on the areas where the skin has been eaten by these fleas. They enter the body of the host mainly through the entrances created by these parasites, and by eating the skin membrane near the eye area, anus, or dorsal fins. Once they enter the skin of the host, the host is assumed to be dead, so deadly dangerous are these sand fleas. They attack the host body and suck and eat everything from the skin to sweet glands to the blood. The chewed remains of the unfortunate sea-creatures afflicted with the sand-fleas may be found in craters underwater. Fleas provides detailed information about fleas defined, cat fleas, dog fleas, flea bites and more. Fleas is the sister site of Pitbulls Info. Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Elizabeth_Morgan Cat - Dangerous Plants And You Cat Or Dog You can do many things to keep your cats or dogs from harm, but an inconspicuous danger may still remain in your house - your plants and food. Curious pets might take a taste of any plant. An pet may feel the need to self-medicate (like cats eating grass), and so the plant in a pot might tempt them. Or they may just be curious. Despite being toxic, some plants taste good (for instance, the taste of a berry is no indication of its safety, as some berries can taste fine but be highly dangerous). It is also no guarantee if a plant is edible by people. Many plants can be poisonous for pets, yet completely safe for humans. For instance, onions are very toxic to cats. Also, the quantities that pets need to eat to be affected is much less than we'd have to eat, because of their small size. However, although many houseplants are perfectly safe, many aren't, and it is necessary to be aware of what ones to avoid. Cats need to avoid completely: chinese evegreen, crotons, peace lillies, onion, lily spider, rubber plant, iris, evergreen, black-eyed susan, belladonna, daffodil (bulb and plant), tobacco (such as ashtray butts), rhododendron, asparagus fern, rhubarb, english ivy and other ivys, tulip plants and bulbs, lily of the valley, easter lily, aloe vera, holly, oriental lily, chrysanthemum, jasmine, java beans, potato, poppy, mushrooms, umbrella plants, honeysuckle, mistletoe, amaryllis bulbs, apple seeds, sweet pea, poinsettia, yews (all types) tiger lily, baby's breath, marigold, morning glory, philodendron, eggplant, and eucalyptus, which can include a wide selection of plants in your home and larder. Dogs need to keep away from (among other things): croton, apricot, chinese evergreen, daffodil, easter lilly, jasmine, baby's breath, philodendron, potato, hydrangea, poinsettia, apple, mushrooms, corn plant, honeysuckle, mushrooms, mountain laurel, mother-in-laws tongue, walnuts and many nuts, apple, pear seeds, aloe, holly, umbrella plant, green potatoes (especially the skins), lily of the valley, virginia creeper, peace lily, jade, hyacinth, wisteria, iris, plum, peach, apricot, cherry, pits, schefflera, almond, black-eyed susan, ficus, english ivy, tomato plants (and green tomatoes), and yews. These would include a wide variety of plants in your house and larder. Note that this list is not complete. If you are in doubt about any plants, do research at your library, or on the Internet, consult knowledgeable friends, or if all else fails, get rid of the item. Even if you truly value a favorite plant, your dog or cat must come first. If any plant is creating a health problem, it's an easy choice what to do, and you can make the correct decision for your pet's wellbeing.