Fleas are wingless, blood-sucking insects that feed on dog, cats, humans and other species. There are many different types of flea each one specific to the animal that it lives on. The most frequent fleas found in the home are the cat flea and dog flea.
THE FLEA PROBLEM
Fleas and ticks are responsible for a number of diseases in pets and people. Some types of ticks, for example, can transmit the bacteria that cause Lyme disease to animals and humans and some fleas can harbor tapeworm larvae, which grow into adult tapeworms in the intestines of pets or people. Flea bites commonly cause skin irritation and itching and some pets are allergic to flea saliva.
Taking care of your pets responsibly includes protecting them from fleas and ticks. Fleas can be a problem even in the best kept homes and on the cleanest of pets. The best approach to managing fleas is prevention. But if you already have a flea problem, you can control them as long as you treat both your pet and your home. Many products are available to help control fleas and ticks on pets and in their environment. Check with your veterinarian for appropriate treatments.
FLEA TREATMENT AND CONTROL
The objective of treatment is to break the flea life cycle by treating the home, the pets, and the outside environment with insecticide. Before purchasing and applying pesticide products to pets to control fleas and ticks, talk to your veterinarian about the best product to use and how to treat the animal, as well as the environment.
After feeding on your pet's blood the female flea lays eggs which drop into the animal's bedding or favourite resting place. The highest concentration of eggs, larvae and pupae are likely to be in these areas rather than on the animal itself. This means the vast majority of the flea population lives in your yard or home.
Regular cleaning of bedding combined with thorough vacuuming of furniture and floors will help to destroy each stage of the flea's life cycle. Frequently vacuum floors, upholstered furniture, and areas where pets may sleep indoors. Treat animal bedding by boiling, or use animal-safe insecticides or other products recommended by your vet. (Visit http://www.pet-care-supplies.co.uk/vermin-protection/ to see what's available)
When treating the yard, don't forget to treat under bushes and in flower beds. If pets travel in the car, treat car seats and carpets as well.
You should continue to vacuum the house frequently and thoroughly. Throw away the dust bag (vacuum cleaner bags) from your vacuum after each use to prevent any flea eggs and larvae from developing. Don't allow pets to roam and pick up fleas from other animals and keep pets out of hard to clean areas.
PROFESSIONAL FLEA CONTROL
Once fleas are established, eliminating them requires persistence. If home treatments are ineffective, professional extermination may be needed. Further advice on methods of treatment can be obtained from the environmental health officer at your local council, or a commercial pest control company. You can also pay a visit to your veterinarian who will recommend services or products suitable to treat your pet and your home.
Copyright © 2005. Bridget Mwape of Pet Care Supplies UK: http://www.pet-care-supplies.co.uk/ which offers thousands of products to help you care for your pets.
This article may be reprinted as long as all the above links are active and clickable and this author box (byline) is not edited.
Since having a dog is such a common thing, do... Read More
Vitamins Can Increase Your Dog's Life Span!There is evidence to... Read More
When looking to purchase a purebred dog, you need to... Read More
As you likely know already, horses have at least 10... Read More
Dog House Training can be simpleTo start your dog house... Read More
Nearly every puppy in the world is born with roundworms.... Read More
Training your dog can be time consuming and frustrating at... Read More
When pondering whether my neurosis is learned or genetic, I... Read More
Training CollarsTraining collars are a tool many pet owners utilize... Read More
You do clean your house don't you? Well you have... Read More
If there is an art to getting horses to load... Read More
Rabbits are one of the most popular pets, apart from... Read More
Pet DoorsAre you considering installing a pet door for your... Read More
I have had Goldens and Black Labs for many years,... Read More
I get a lot of horse training questions about stopping... Read More
My wife and I have been married for 32 years.... Read More
Pet ContainmentIf you just recently became a pet owner or... Read More
Do you want to save money, anxiety for your kitty,... Read More
Before we talk about using the essential oils, we first... Read More
Puppies are a bundle of newfound joy. You've prepared the... Read More
Gain some insight into how your favorite feline actually feels... Read More
Lyme disease can be treated with antibiotics, because the disease... Read More
Toy dog breeds include greyhounds, terriers, pinschers, pugs, chihuahuas, pekingese,... Read More
Animal lovers come in all shapes and sizes. Undoubtedly if... Read More
Pug puppies make wonderful pets. Pugs are very affectionate and... Read More
A Healthy Skin and Coat for Your Dog ...Does your... Read More
The 6 Keys To Building A Life Long Partnership With... Read More
Obesity is one of the most important health concerns facing... Read More
Flowerhorn Cichlids Flowerhorn cichlids is a hybrid cichlid that was... Read More
Any person, whether a minor or adult, having been bitten... Read More
Fleas are wingless, blood-sucking insects that feed on dog, cats,... Read More
Dog food is very important for the health of dogs.... Read More
Pregnant cats have to eat for two, three, four, five,... Read More
She is the protector of cats, women and children. The... Read More
So you're getting a Rottweiler puppy? Here are some general... Read More
Did you know that there are key health benefits that... Read More
Purebred dogs of all breeds can be found in shelters,... Read More
For heat dissipation and body cooling, a horse trotting at... Read More
Dog Training CollarsHaving a pet means having to provide for... Read More
Because it is intelligent and energetic, a Westie terrier is... Read More
When you take into account that there are over 68,000,000... Read More
Do you have some adult discus fish and want to... Read More
Still remember that very moment when you first laid your... Read More
Occasionally watching Animal Planet does have its advantage. You can... Read More
Just as humans allergies can show up as a sneeze... Read More
Rabbits are one of the most popular pets, apart from... Read More
This has been one of the most rewarding adventures I... Read More
It's important to understand your dog's sleeping habits and how... Read More
Your mind-set, approach and way of thinking (beliefs) are critical... Read More
Cats are becoming increasingly popular as pets these days, and... Read More
Rabbits are one of the most popular pets, apart from... Read More
Everybody loves a baby animal and Westie puppies are adorable,... Read More
What you feed your dog is really SO important for... Read More
Many of us dream of having a beautiful, exotic bird... Read More
The most common dog problems:Dog Owner's commonly ask me the... Read More
As a business, I've not been in the holistic pet... Read More
There may be no warning before dog worms strike.It was... Read More
Many pet owners often wonder if it's worth it to... Read More
Dog TrainingSo, we've got a new best friend that needs... Read More
From the first day of life on a leash, most... Read More
The greatest fear of most pet owners is that there... Read More
I am a dog lover by nature. I have just... Read More
Cute cat names? Max is popular, Lady a favorite for... Read More
Just say the word cancer and any of a host... Read More
Get to know your beloved dog better with these insightful... Read More
On the surface playing Frisbee with your dog may seem... Read More
Pet |