Wild4Dogs Pack Hack #9

Wild4Dogs Pack Hack 9 – The flea season is coming! The flea season is coming!

Flea season is coming – are you prepared?

Following are some helpful facts about fleas, flea treatment  and flea control.  Learn how you can prevent fleas from infesting your dog and your home.

Flea Facts

Even though there are more than 2,000 known species and subspecies of fleas, only one class of flea called the ‘cat flea’ is to blame for almost all the fleas found on cats and dogs in the United States. What is really daunting is that there is evidence of fleas dating all the way back to the dinosaur era which means they obviously aren’t going away by themselves – all the more reason to do something to protect your pets and family.

Most fleas can survive for an average of two to three months without ‘food’ which is actually the blood they suck from their ‘hosts’.  A female flea consumes 15 times her own body weight in blood daily! You should also know that while adult fleas suck blood from a cat, dog or other mammal, their larvae live and feed on organic debris in the host animal’s environment – that’s your home! Be aware that some fleas can jump 150 times their own length – that compares to a human jumping 1,000 feet. So if you happen to see one flea, there may be more than 100 offspring or adults looming nearby in furniture, carpeting or on your pet.

Fleas, mites and ticks are parasites with a short lifespan so they reproduce quickly. Female fleas can lay up to 25 eggs a day. So you can see just how quickly the problem can get out of hand! They tend to prefer warm conditions so summer and spring are the most troublesome times for pets and owners.

Flea Prevention

Now let’s talk about how to prevent these gross little parasites from getting into your life.

As a dog owner, one of your main responsibilities is to keep your dog healthy. Taking them to the vet for their annual checkups is very important. While you’re there, be sure to talk to your veterinarian about a flea prevention method for your furry friends such as Advantix, Frontline or Advantage. Certain products can also help to prevent ticks in addition to fleas.

If you prefer a flea collar, Seresto’s Flea and Tick Collar for Dogs is a top choice among dog owners and veterinarians!

Brush your dog often and inspect their coat. Fleas, ticks and mites are tiny black, brown crawling creatures that can even look like dirt. It may help for you to examine the fur under their ears and arms/legs. Fleas like warm places. You can also see flea egg sacks and flea droppings in your dog’s fur if you look closely. A flea comb can work well to physically trap and remove fleas, flea eggs and flea “dirt” from your pet’s fur.

Flea Treatment

If you see fleas on your dog or in your home, take action immediately. Not only are fleas a huge annoyance, but they can also transmit diseases and tapeworm.

If your home becomes infested, you should seek professional help right away.  Talk to your vet to get advice, it will save you time. Your vet should have some pamphlets or handouts about flea control. Some vets even prescribe oral treatments.

It is important to treat your home for fleas as well. Fleas can survive in almost anything in your home-furniture, rugs and bedding. Any flea treatments will be pointless if the flea’s eggs or fleas themselves remain in your living space.

To clean your home properly you will need to sanitize and clean the areas where the pet sleeps. Depending on the severity of the problem you may need to throw away blankets that have become infested with eggs. Often – just washing the affected bedding in hot water and some flea shampoo should do the trick. Rather safe than sorry though – if in doubt toss the bedding. Having to have your home fumigated will cost a lot more!

Conclusion

Fleas can become a nightmare for any pet owner. Don’t let this happen to you.  Stop the problem early – check your dog every day for fleas and regularly use a preventative product approved by your vet.