Flea Infestation in Pets – Treatment & Prevention
Are you worried about finding out that your furry friend is scratching everywhere and biting their skin, hold on! Yes, it means that your dog or cat has caught a flea infestation. A flea infestation can cause harmful diseases, but fortunately, treatments and preventive methods are available to combat this situation. Read on to learn everything about flea infestation in dogs and cats and ways to keep your furry friend protected.
What Are Fleas?
Fleas are the most common and annoying parasites that create a nuisance for your companions. They are tiny wingless parasites that feed on the blood of dogs or cats and transmit deadly diseases like Lyme disease. Fleas thrive in warm and humid temperatures where they wait to find their host. These harmful parasites are found both outdoors as well as indoors.
How Does Dog or Cat Get Fleas?
Dogs or cats get flea infestation from their environment which includes:
- Other animals
- Pet facilities
- Beddings and carpets
- Lawn or yard
- Warm temperatures
How to Check Your Dog or Cat for Fleas?
Fleas hide in different areas of your pet’s body. Let’s have a look at how to find them:
1. Look Inside the Fur:
Adult fleas can get trapped in your pet’s fur and are easily visible to the naked eye. Pets with light-colored fur display fleas easily compared to pets with dark hair.
2. Flea Dirt in the House:
Flea eggs and dirt, i.e. flea poop, can be found on your pet’s beddings, carpets, or anywhere in the house where your pet spends the maximum time. They look like coffee beans or ground black pepper.
3. Flea Comb:
Use a flea comb and brush your pet carefully. Make your pet stand on a white towel and you will see any droppings on the towel from their fur.
4. Damp Cloth:
You can also use a damp or paper towel to check for fleas on your pet. Put the cloth on their fur and if it turns black or brown, then your pet is infected with fleas.
Symptoms of Flea Infestation
Flea-infested pets show common symptoms listed below that you can look for to determine the conditions:
- Redness, scabs, or lesions on the skin
- Visible wounds on the skin
- Constant scratching, biting, or chewing
- Tapeworms
- Hair loss
- Irritated skin
- Pale gums
Ways to Treat & Prevent Fleas
Let’s have a look at the different ways to treat and prevent flea infestation in pets:
1. Spot-On Treatment:
This treatment is quite effective both for the prevention of fleas and for controlling their recurrence. Frontline Plus and Advantage are some of the most effective spot-on treatments.
2. Oral Treatment:
Oral treatment comes in the form of chewables or tablets that can be offered to your pet either directly or by mixing with their food. You can consider Nexgard, Bravecto, and Simparica for the best results.
3. Flea Spray:
This is an easy-to-use anti-flea formula that can be applied to the affected area. This helps in preventing flea infestation from spreading in the house. Ensure your pet doesn’t lick the treated area until dry. Use a flea comb to gently brush your pet to get rid of any dead fleas. Effipro Spray, Ultrum Ultimate Flea Spray, and Aristopet Flea & Tick Spray are some of the must-try sprays for flea protection.
4. Flea Shampoo:
Giving your pet a bath with flea shampoo helps destroy existing fleas on the pet’s body. Ensure you don’t let the shampoo get in their eyes or ears.
Ways to Keep Your Home Clean
Other than the treatments, there are some changes that you can make to keep your house and yard clean. This would benefit in keeping fleas away from your pets.
1. Wash Beddings Regularly:
Wash your pet’s bedding regularly with disinfectants that are pet-friendly.
2. Trim Grass Consistently:
Fleas tend to hide in the long grass and bushes and infest your pet when they are outside. Make sure to trim your lawn regularly to eliminate fleas.
3. Pest Control:
You can also consider pest control every 3-6 months depending on your region and the gravity of flea infestation. Pest control is infused with chemicals that focus on killing existing fleas and preventing them from re-occurring.
4. Regular Vet Checkups:
Regularly consulting your vet for pet check-ups and obtaining recommendations for effective flea treatment is essential.
Final Words
To protect your furry friends and maintain their health, you must actively prevent and treat fleas, as they are harmful parasites. Educate yourself with the above-mentioned guide on flea prevention and treatment so that you safeguard your pets and stay happy!
