TREATING PETS FOR FLEAS
Fleas are found throughout the world and cause misery to humans and animals because of their irritating bites and ability to transmit disease. The species most commonly in the home is the cat flea, Ctenocephalides felis. Contrary to what the name implies, cat fleas infest both cats and dogs equally. Fleas can carry or transmit various diseases such as the bacterium that causes bubonic plague. Fleas often cause serious allergies to infested animals and humans.
Treating Pets for Fleas
While the house is being fogged or sprayed, bathe and treat your pets for fleas as well. Products formulated for use on pets are available as sprays or dusts. Carefully follow label directions and precautions, and never treat a pet with a product that does not specifically state that it can be used on animals. Re-treat the pet when it seems to be carrying fleas again. If your pet is in frequent contact with other infested animals, you may need to treat it as often as every week or two, but never apply the insecticide more often than the label recommends.Washing bedding materials in hot water with soap or detergent destroys all stages of the fleas. Design your pet's designated or favorite sleeping areas so bedding materials can be removed and washed easily, every few weeks - weekly in peak flea season.
Bathe the pet whenever the flea population starts to build up. Follow all label directions carefully. You must take care when using any powder or spray to avoid getting the insecticide into the pet's eyes, nostrils, mouth or genital area. Do not treat kittens and puppies under 4 weeks of age. Do not treat pregnant animals.
A fine-toothed metal flea comb is a very effective tool in the suppression of adult fleas. It removes the fleas themselves as well as the flea feces and dried blood, or specks, that provide food for larval populations. The comb is pulled in the direction of the fur, and fleas caught in the tines are flicked into soapy water, where they drown. You may find that most fleas congregate on the neck or tail area.
Once the problem is brought under control, you may want to consider obtaining a systemic flea control product available from your veterinarian. These products are available in pill form, as a liquid that is mixed with the pet's food, and as a pour-on liquid. Most of them require you to retreat the pet monthly. They are not used with any other flea products. Although they seem expensive compared to other remedies, their effectiveness and ease of use makes them a good choice for many pet owners. Because re-infestation from other animals is likely, it is usually impossible to have a flea-free pet for long unless systemic products are used. A flea collar is only partially effective, especially on large pets where the collar is far away from the tail. back to the list
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