At some stage of your pet's lifespan every pet owner will have to deal
with the problem of fleas, ticks and mites. If left untreated they can
take over your pet's skin and coat so it is really important to keep
it under control. It's best to stop the problem before it gets out of
control. Rather treat your pet for a few fleas than treat the whole
house for an infestation!
There are some misconceptions about fleas. It is not
something that only happens to dirty animals! In fact it is probably
more common in clean animals because fleas prefer a clean coat. Coming
into contact with other animals also causes exposure to the problem
and can start a flea problem in your home.
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.
The main thing is that you want to catch the
problem early! This means brushing your dog often and inspecting 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
sea flea egg sacks and flea droppings in their fur if you look
closely. If you still cannot see the fleas try combing your dog on a
bright surface, something like a piece of paper should work well.
This is a problem that needs to be treated right away.
Instead of heading for the pet store to buy expensive over-the-counter
treatments, sprays or dips you should rather seek professional help
right away. It will save you time. Your vet should have some pamphlets
or handouts about flea control. Some vets even prescribe oral
treatments if the problem is out severe.
If you choose to shop for the products yourself you will need
to read the labels carefully to check that you are not inadvertently
poisoning your pet! Never allow your pet to ingest any of the products
you use; they are highly poisonous. It's also important to protect
their eyes from these harsh chemicals. There is a lot of disagreement
about whether or not flea collars work. They tend to kill fleas in a
localized area around the collar.
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!
Fleas can become a nightmare for any pet owner. Rather stop
the problem early - check your pet everyday for fleas and
regularly use a preventative product approved by your vet.
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