When someone has a few dogs and cats in their home, they most likely run into problems with fleas during the warmer months. These annoying little creatures cause animals a great deal of distress as they crawl across their skin and bite it for a quick meal. It is important that pets are treated for fleas right away so their skin does not become full of infections or scabs as a result of bites. Some pets also have allergic reactions to these parasites, making it even more important to treat them promptly.
A flea comb can be used to remove fleas from the pet’s fur. These have teeth that are close together so they can lift fleas from the fur. A flea shampoo can be used to help kill fleas that are not easily removed. These shampoos work effectively at killing live fleas but often do not handle eggs or larvae. Because of this, combing the pet each day is best so any newly hatched fleas will be removed from the fur before they have a chance to lay eggs themselves. Another shampooing session can also be done a few weeks after the first to remove baby fleas from the fur.
It is best to treat outdoor areas by doing routine mowing of grass to help keep fleas at bay. A pesticide can be added as well, but pets should be kept away from the area for a few days after application. If possible, keep cats indoors and walk dogs in a treated area to keep fleas from jumping onto their fur.
A veterinarian would be able to prescribe flea medication to remove existing fleas from a pet’s fur. This is applied at the nape of the pet’s neck and works fast at killing fleas and stopping egg growth from occurring. The medication would need to be reapplied every month for the best results as it would break the life cycle of the fleas. It is also important to keep the home clean so fleas do not become abundant in the home. Wash all pet bedding in hot water and vacuum regularly.
