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Dan
04-30-2017, 06:12 PM
For a long time, we have observed our favorite (California gray) squirrel scratching herself but never saw evidence of any parasites on her, until recently, when small insects started crawling off her, one or two during each visit.

The insect does not appear to be any kind of flea or tick, based on the images of fleas and ticks that we can find online. The insect is a kind of golden-reddish brown in color. It crawls slowly. It does not jump. It is much longer than it is narrow, a little longer than an eighth of an inch, I would say. It seems to be covered with a piece of shell-like material, bent along the center, like a middle piece of arched roof. It is extremely durable and resistant to being crushed.

Does anyone have any idea as to whether a drop of advantage II for small cats at the base of the neck might be helpful? I've heard that only "revolution" is intended to cover a wide range of parasites, while advantage is only intended for treating fleas, but this is apparently only available through a veterinarian's prescription, which we would probably have difficulty obtaining (for reasons I can explain if that would be helpful).

lennysmom
04-30-2017, 06:36 PM
I'm not sure about the Avantage - I have used a drop of Revolution for puppies and kittens to treat for parasites on one of my releases successfully.

Nancy in New York
04-30-2017, 06:41 PM
No to Advantage.
lennysmom is right a drop of Revolution.:thumbsup

You can get it here without a prescription.
Get the one for kittens and puppies under 5 lbs.

http://www.joespetmeds.com/flea-control/revolution-cats-dogs.htm

https://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?40494-Advantage-Multi-for-Cats-(a-warning)&highlight=advantage

HRT4SQRLS
04-30-2017, 08:55 PM
Dan, it might be a squirrel flea. They look different from the normal cat or dog flea. Here's a pic in this link.
http://bugguide.net/node/view/487794/bgpage

If it's not this, it could be a louse.

Dan
04-30-2017, 09:44 PM
Dan, it might be a squirrel flea. They look different from the normal cat or dog flea. Here's a pic in this link.
http://bugguide.net/node/view/487794/bgpage

If it's not this, it could be a louse.

Yes, I believe you're right: It's a squirrel flea.

I had searched for that term on Google but hadn't come up with anything.

Thank you so much. That solves the mystery.

We placed our order for "Revolution" for kittens today and are looking forward to bringing our little friend relief soon.

We really appreciate all the help we got from the community here today.

HRT4SQRLS
04-30-2017, 09:56 PM
No problem Dan. We love to help.
I've also ordered from Joes Pet Meds and had NO problems at all.
It came in about a week. :thumbsup