Control of fleas can be achieved best by control efforts aimed at both the premises occupied by the pet and the pet itself, in conjunction with sanitation. Three tick species feed on pets in Nebraska. Piroplasmosis to dogs, the brown dog tick which transmits Rickettsia, encephalitis and other diseases or parasites, and the brown dog tick which transmits bovine anaplasmosis and Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Colorado tick fever, and tularemia. All of these species are three-host ticks. They start with small rodents or animals and eventually parasitize cattle, horses or other large animals.
Flies are pests of pets kept outdoors.
The same control measures listed for livestock facilities will suffice to reduce fly populations around kennels or other pet facilities. Stable flies feed on the ears of dogs, particularly German shepherds and greyhounds. Treatment of the ears with insecticide at least weekly will provide some protection for the dogs. Do not use on nursing pups or lactating dogs. Do not use dust on nursing puppies.