Fleas – How to Get Rid of Them for Good
Spring is finally here, which means more outside time for you and your pets. While spring brings longer, warmer days and beautiful flowers, it also ushers in flea season. Fleas gravitate to the nearest furry creature, which means Fido or Fluffy may soon bring these biting pests into your home. Even if you don’t have pets, fleas can hitch a ride on your clothing or shoes or even come over from a neighbor’s home. And once they’re in your home, they will lay eggs and continue the cycle until you take action.
Flea bites are painful to humans and pets and can be extremely itchy. They can trigger flea-bite dermatitis, which is an allergic reaction that leads to even more itching, scabbing, and eventual loss of hair. Fleas also carry tapeworms and can infect your pet with these parasites. Tapeworms can cause itching and weight loss and are very uncomfortable but can be easily treated by your veterinarian. Another major health problem posed by fleas is flea-bite anemia, caused by the blood loss from serious infestations. This is most common in very young or elderly pets and can be fatal if left untreated.
So, how can you tell if your dog or cat already has a flea problem? Incessant scratching will be your first clue, but the pests can be hard to detect on long-haired animals. One easy way to check is to comb your pet and inspect the hair that is removed. If there are little black specks in with the fur, there’s a good chance that this is “flea dirt” – fecal matter from the adult fleas. If you find this, you’ll want to immediately start the process of killing the fleas already on your pet, as well as preventing future infestations. Your vet can help you find the right treatments for your pet. It’s also important to treat the other pets in your household, even if they aren’t yet showing signs of infestation.