Flea Prevention and Care

The occurrence of fleas is an inconvenience not only for your pet, but for your entire household. Fleas will spend most of their time attached to your pet, but their eggs (larvae) can be found on carpet, furniture, and even grass. It is safe to assume that for every flea you spot on your pet, there are likely hundreds of eggs elsewhere in your home. Caring for a flea infestation includes care for the animal and for the living environment as well.

To rid your home of flea infestations there are several things you will need to do. Vacuuming often can destroy about half of all flea eggs in your home. More thorough vacuuming should be done in areas that your pet normally sits or travels (couches, pet’s bed, hallways etc). A flea killing product is also essential and can be purchased in powder, spray and fog form. A veterinarian should be consulted before selecting a flea killing product, as some products could be harmful to other pets and children. In extreme cases, it may be necessary to contact an experienced exterminator.

For outdoor care you will want to pay careful attention to areas of your yard where your pet spends a majority of their time (patios, dog houses etc). To begin, use a rake to disrupt the area where fleas may inhabit (leafs, grass etc). Then, apply your veterinarian recommended product to the areas. The product should be re-applied every 7-21 days.

Most importantly, you will need to remove the fleas from your pet! Products for pets come in many different forms including shampoo, spray, powder, oral, and injectable. Using the product once will not automatically eliminate the fleas. You may have to apply the product several times, as the product must come in direct contact with the flea in order to kill it. Some fleas could be accidentally missed on the initial treatment.

It may be necessary to continue treatment for 6 months or more in order to kill every flea.

The best way to avoid flea infestations is through prevention! Products should be applied to your pet and home periodically, even if there is not yet any sign of fleas. Your pet should also be given a flea bath anytime that they have come into contact with other animals, or have traveled to a place where animals are likely to have been (i.e. parks).

For more information on flea prevention and care, contact a veterinarian in your area.