Fleas and the itching they cause are one of the worst things to deal with. Although we think of fleas as a mainly summer problem, this isn’t the case. Central heating allows fleas to flourish in the winter months, so although many of us have turned down our heating this winter, this is still something to keep a close eye on. Especially as they are hard to get rid of.
Fleas are blood sucking parasites with the ability to jump up to 13 inches onto prospective hosts. A single female flea, once it has fed, can lay up to 50 eggs a day! So it does not take much for a few unwelcome guests to turn into an infestation.
The flea eggs soon hatch into larvae, which then cocoon into pupae. When the pupated fleas detect a warm blooded mammal, they hatch into adult fleas and the whole cycle repeats itself. It is estimated that 95% of eggs, larvae and pupae are shed into the environment ,with only 5% actually on your pet.
To control fleas, you need to break this flea cycle in your home as well as on your pets.
How do I know if my pet has fleas?
Scratching or chewing themselves are the first signs. These can lead to signs of irritation, hair loss, bald spots or red patches due to severe scratching.
Fleas are big enough to be visible so you may be able to see tiny black specks in your pets fur.
The best way to check for fleas is to groom your pet with a fine-tooth comb. Hold the comb over a white piece of kitchen paper to deposit any fleas or droppings. Add a drop of water onto the paper, a clear sign of fleas is if the droppings turn reddish brown. Repeat grooming regularly to monitor the flea infestation as you treat.
Why is it so important to get rid of fleas?
Apart from the itching, fleas can pose a health risk to your pet. Excessive itching can lead to irritated or infected skin which may require treatment with antibiotics.
This can be exacerbated if your pet is allergic to flea saliva and suffers a reaction. This is known as flea dermatitis and is one of the most common types of skin allergies in pets.
At risk animals, such as the young, elderly or those suffering from a debilitating illness can develop anemia due to blood loss from a serious flea infestation.
Infected host fleas can also transmit tapeworms to your pet.
Other diseases, such as myxomatosis in rabbits, can be spread by fleas; protecting your pets is about a lot more than just stopping the itch.
How to treat your pets
There are several options available for protecting your pet against fleas.
It’s important to use a suitable prescription treatment as many over the counter remedies may not be as effective, or offer the same level of cover against parasites.
It is also very important to use the correct treatment for your pet, some dog specific medications can be toxic to cats – be especially careful if you have both.
Many flea treatments will also combine protection against other harmful parasites such as lungworm, heartworm, ticks and mites. We will always help you choose the best product to give your pet the widest spectrum of protection.
Do remember you need to treat all pets in your household. Fleas are not species specific and will happily jump onto any animal – or human – they can find.
Prevention with grooming
Grooming is a great way to bond with your pet and also check them for fleas, ticks and anything unusual.
A pet safe shampoo alone will help kill fleas on your pet and grooming will help prevent matting that could hide pesky parasites.
Treating your home
Treating your home is vital in getting rid of a flea problem. Even if you treat your pet religiously, they will still have fleas if you do not also treat your home.
Vacuuming is your best weapon against fleas in your home. Not only does it physically remove fleas and their eggs, but it will also stimulate adult fleas to emerge from their pupae, making them easier to kill with a household flea spray.
Make sure you vacuum upholstery, skirting boards and mattresses and concentrate on areas that your pet likes to lie in.
Remember to clean and treat your car too if your pet is a regular passenger.
It’s best to empty vacuum cylinders or dispose of hoover bags into an outside bin, so fleas cannot scurry back inside.
Wash all bedding, especially pet bedding, in hot water and dry it on a high setting. You may also consider steam cleaning, the high heat and soap will kill any fleas and you can reach into nooks and crannies where they may be hiding.
Household flea sprays are easy and effective to use. We stock cans at the practice which can treat a 4 bedroom house. Always follow the instructions on the product.
If you have a really major issue with fleas in your home, there are specialist companies which can treat your home for you.
As ever, if you have any concerns about your pets, or would like more information on flea treatments and prevention, please do not hesitate to contact us on 01435 864422.
