How to Control Fleas
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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.
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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.
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Learn how you can treat your beloved cats at home with over
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by visiting Dr.Andrew Jones's website here!
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