How to Control Fleas
Fleas are parasites that
feed off your dog's blood. Flea
eggs can be found almost everywhere - in your couch, carpet,
etc. so the likelihood of infection is very high. To know
if your dog has fleas, look for flea excrement - small, dark,
curly dots that are also known as "flea dirt."
To do this, brush your pet's coat with a white cloth or sheet
and look for these black specks, which contains digested blood
that looks reddish brown when wet. If your dog has a darker
coat, eggs that resemble dandruff is visible when a magnifying
glass is used.
Dangers of Fleas
Besides really annoying your dog, fleas can also cause an
allergic reaction called flea allergy dermatitis (FAD) which
leads to hair loss, skin inflammation and irritation. For
severe cases, your pet can experience anemia due to blood
loss. This can be fatal if your pet is young or debilitated.
Also, fleas are carriers of common tapeworms, which can cause
cramping and gas.
Preventing Infection
Putting flea powder on your vacuum cleaner will exterminate
all the fleas inside the bag. Monthly topicals is an easy
and inexpensive approach to protect your house from fleas.
Bio Spot or Frontline Plus are recommended topical brands
available. You might also want to build a doghouse or spot
for your dog that is elevated since fleas can't jump higher
than a foot. Water is a flea's top enemy, so wash the areas
that a dog might run around - like
your backyard. Minimal contact with grasses and woods will
lessen the possibility of infection. If you have a garden,
trim leaves and clear brushes, as well as grassy and kennel
areas.
If you have a home grooming kit for your dog, it is best
to include a flea comb. Use it regularly on your pet. Its
soft, fine bristles, it will catch the flea. Start combing
around the hindquarters and the pet's head, where flea dirt
can also be seen. When you trap a flea, immediately put it
in soap-water solution. Fleas thrive in warm conditions, that's
why in warmer climates, it is best to give your dog flea products
the whole year. Although pupa stages can become dormant in
cold climates, increasing the length of its lifespan composed
of egg, larva, pupa and adult.
Treatment
A flea bath is the first step to a parasite-free pet. Be
careful in using a flea shampoo because most products are
too harsh on puppies. Consult your veterinarian on what to
use if your puppy has fleas. It can also relieve irritation
and itching. Don't stop at shampooing because it doesn't really
protect your dog after getting a bath.
One alternative is using flea dips that keep fleas at bay
for some time after dipping, but it is not recommended by
most veterinarians. The downside is that your dog might eat
or swallow these parasites after licking, since a flea dip
stays on the dog's hair coat. Another option is a flea collar.
It will only kill all the fleas in the dog's neck and face
- not the whole body. Some also dogs develop a rash when using
flea collars. While flea medallions can contaminate the dog's
drinking water, since it hangs loose from the collar.
A good choice is the use of flea sprays and powders - both
for your dog and your house, so be careful in reading the
instructions to know which is which. Products intended for
your home is too strong to use on your pet. Using two or three
different flea products at the same time can be toxic for
your dog.
If there are numerous fleas that infested your dog, it is
recommended that you treat your home too. Methoprene and fenoxycarb,
two active ingredients contained in flea sprays are efficient
and safe. It stops the growth of eggs into adult fleas. As
mentioned, sprays are too strong for dogs, so take them outside
for a walk when you treat your home. Some products are designed
to destroy adult fleas - one product is Insect Growth Regulators
(IGR) can help kill flea eggs and larvae. Before applying
such products, vacuum your carpet or furniture first to rouse
eggs and larvae from their cocoons.
Learn Holistic At-Home Remedies from Dr.
Andrew Jones by
downloading this "Healing Your Pets At Home" FREE
book Now!
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