One summer while in college, my roommates and I headed to our family homes before school started again. When we returned, we were in for a very unpleasant surprise. Apparently before we had departed, my roommate’s cat had acquired a few fleas. In the time we were gone, our unattended house had become a flea breeding ground. As we settled in on our return, it wasn’t long before our ankles began to itch. Someone finally spotted a flea, and then another. The house was infested! We had to evacuate the house, pets and all, while the house was rid of its new residents. That was one experience I hope to never have to encounter again.
With summer upon us, fleas are everywhere our pets travel. They can cause a variety of ailments to our pets and great discomfort to humans. Dogs and cats are allergic to flea saliva, which irritates the skin. The intense reaction causes itching, which can lead to skin infections and hot spots. By ingesting live fleas, our pets can contract tapeworms, which are harbored by fleas. A severe infestation of fleas can also cause anemia, and extreme cases, death through blood loss.
The best way to avoid these issues is through prevention. Your vet can recommend the latest and most advanced method of flea control for your pet. These will be much more effective than the over the counter methods used in years past. The majority of these products will provide protection for an extended period of time. These products will treat your pet for fleas already present and provide protection for the future. In addition, daily grooming of your pet will help you to spot any stray fleas that have landed on your pet.
If fleas are found on your pet and in your home, it is important to remove all life cycles of the flea from the home to completely eradicate them from the area. Adult fleas, eggs, pupa and larvae are able to survive for months without an immediate live host. Thoroughly vacuum all areas of the house, including furniture, and then remove the vacuum cleaner bag from the premises. Also wash all pet and human bedding. If needed, your veterinarian or an exterminator can be consulted for recommendations to further treat the interior of the house with chemical control. The area outside of the home should be treated with a premise spray.
Hopefully, with a little bit of vigilance and preventative measures, we can all enjoy a flea-free summer.
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this was very helpful to understand and when I have a comb that I use and I will get a flea and all these black thing is in the hair that comes out what is that I have not see these things before can you give me a answer on these black things.
Thank you Hannah m. Morgan