Fleas in pets
Parasites are “freeloaders” that live in or on another creature. Fleas are the most common external parasite found on dogs and cats. Although fleas are more likely to be a problem during warm-weather months, they can also cause problems during cooler seasons due to their ability to continue their life cycle indoors.
How will fleas affect my dog?
You will probably first notice the effects of fleas when your animal repeatedly scratches and chews. On occasion you may actually see tiny brown fleas moving quickly through your dog’s haircoat. Your dog’s constant scratching may lead to visible patches of hair loss and reddened, irritated skin. Fleas may also cause skin allergies and can transmit other parasites, such as tapeworms, to your pet.
How do I check my dog for fleas?
Although your pet may be infested with fleas, they are not always easy to find. One of the best methods for checking your animal for fleas is to look for flea dirt (flea feces) in your dog’s haircoat.
To check for flea dirt, briskly comb or rub a section of the hair on your pets back while he/she is sitting or lying on a white piece of paper. If they have fleas, black flecks that look like dirt will fall onto the paper. If you transfer these black flecks to a damp piece of paper, in a short time they will appear red or rust-colored. The red color results because blood sucked from your pet is passed in the flea’s waste matter.
Steps to Take
Both indoor and outdoor areas can be sprayed with insecticides to eliminate fleas, if necessary. Treatment of your home or yard can be and sometimes best performed by a trained pest control expert. Consult with your veterinarian as to which flea products will break the flea life cycle in the environment.
Most flea problems can be managed by treating and preventing fleas. It is important to keep in mind that flea problems may be different from pet to pet or between households, and each problem may require a special method of control.
See your veterinarian for advice on your specific situation. Your veterinarian can recommend safe and effective products for controlling fleas and can determine exactly what you need.
Indoors
To control fleas, you must prevent them from reproducing. Carpets, pet bedding, furniture, and other indoor areas where your dog spends much time will contain the highest number of developing fleas. Frequent vacuuming of these areas and frequent washing of your animals bedding can greatly reduce the number of developing fleas inside your home. There are also environmental sprays available from your veterinarian which can control both the adult population and the developing larvae.
Outdoors
Fleas also develop in shady, protected outdoor areas. These outdoor spots can easily be identified as the places where your animal likes to rest and relax. Remember, if your pet does not feel comfortable spending time in a particular area, then neither will fleas. Pets and fleas typically like the same locations.