Dog flea control and management requires an integrated approach. For effective treatment both the host animal and the environment must be treated at the same time. Control of fleas on the pet generally requires the use of insecticides. Although flea combs can remove some fleas, combing should be thought of as a method for detecting fleas rather than removing them.
If an animal is to be treated for other conditions besides fleas, such as expression of anal glands, these procedures should be done before the insecticide application to minimize insecticide contact with interior mucosal membranes.
A wide range of insecticides are available for flea control. The pyrethrins and pyrethroids have the lowest mammalian toxicity. These insecticides come in many formulations including shampoo, dust and powder, mousse, aerosol and non-aerosol mist or spray, dip, spot-on, roll-on and collar. Organophosphate drugs for oral use are available, by prescription from veterinarians.
In addition, some on-animal formulations contain insect growth regulators (IGRs) that kill flea eggs on the animal. *Remember to read all insecticide labels, and to follow all precautions and dose directions.
The insecticides used for flea control vary widely in toxicity and efficacy. Considerations for selecting a formulation include the size, weight and age of the animal, as well as the species.
For example, greyhounds are a very chemical-sensitive breed and are more sensitive to insecticide products than most other dogs. Do not attach flea collars or flea-killing medallions on these dogs. Do not use chlorpyrifos, DDVP, methoxychior or malathion on greyhounds.
Cats are more sensitive to organophosphate insecticides than dogs. In addition, cats groom themselves more than dogs and are more likely to ingest an insecticide by licking the residue from their fur.
Kittens and puppies, because of their smaller size, require a lower dose than adult animals. Young animals may also require treatment with insecticides of lower toxicity than adult animals. Pregnant or nursing animals may be sensitive to certain insecticides.
Several products are available for especially sensitive pets and other situations that require lower risk chemical measures. These include the citrus peel extracts d-limonene and linalool, sorptive dusts such as silica aerogel or diatomaceous earth, the insect growth regulators fenoxycarb or methoprene, and insecticidal soaps.
Theses words may seem foreign to you, but you can always consult a veterinarian if you have questions. They will have accurate information on insecticides and their use for flea control on pet animals. The insecticide label should also contain accurate information on how a particular formulation of an insecticide should and should not be used. *Remember to read these labels before opening the container!
When using insecticides for flea control, remember that the applicator, namely your pet and you can be exposed to the insecticides several times. The label may call for the use of gloves and other protective equipment during application and suggest the pet not be handled with unprotected hands until the treatment dries. All personal protective equipment listed on the label must be worn. As a minimum aspect, chemical-resistant gloves, apron and goggles should be worn while mixing insecticides and during application to prevent insecticide contact with the skin.
The working area should be appropriate for containment of the pesticide and should be resistant to caustic materials. A stainless steel preparation table and stainless steel or ceramic tub are ideal. Also, certain parts of the pet's body (such as the eyes) may be sensitive to the insecticides and must be shielded during application. When using flea "bombs" (aerosol cans with a self-releasing mechanism), follow all the precautions and remove the pets from the area being treated. For your information, using excessive aerosols is illegal and may cause fires and even explosions.
The other important part of an integrated flea management program is to control larval fleas in the habitat away from the animal. This can be achieved either mechanically or with insecticides. Mechanical or physical control of flea larvae involves removal and laundering of animal bedding and thorough cleaning of areas frequented by the animal.
Using a vacuum with a beater bar and immediately disposing of the waste bag effectively eliminates up to half of the larvae and eggs in carpet. You should also launder animal bedding and thoroughly clean areas the animal frequents and dispose of the vacuum waste bag after every cleaning.
Do not put insecticides in the vacuum cleaner bag. This is an illegal and dangerous use of the products and can harm you, your family and pets by creating dusts or fumes that could be inhaled.
Another mechanical control measure is carpet shampooing or steam cleaning. This rids the carpet of blood feces, an important food for the larvae, and may also remove eggs and larvae. In outdoor areas, cleaning up the places where animals like to rest reduces eggs and larvae and removes blood pellets. In yards and kennels, flea larvae can be found in cracks at wall-floor junctions and in floor crevices. These areas must be thoroughly cleaned and then maintained to prevent another infestation.
Recently several ultrasound devices, including collars, have entered the market claiming to control or repel fleas. Several scientific studies have investigated these devices and found absolutely no basis for the manufacture's claims. Ultrasonic devices do not control flea populations. It is unnecessary for you to buy these equipments.
Chemical control of flea larvae can be achieved with insecticides. Organophosphate, carbamate, pyrethrin, pyrethroid and growth regulator (hormone mimic) insecticides as well as certain minerals are available for flea control in the environment These insecticides are formulated as coarse sprays, foggers and dusts or are micro-encapsulated.
All but the growth regulators kill flea larvae on contact. Insect growth regulators prevent flea larvae from developing to the adult stage. Growth regulators may also inhibit egg hatching. A good flea larval control program will incorporate sanitation, contact insecticides and growth regulators for good results.
Flea management requires patience, time and careful planning. Vacuuming and cleaning areas frequented by dogs and cats should be routine. The same applies to kennels. If an infestation occurs, insecticide applications on the animals or in the environment may have to be repeated according to the label. The need for retreatment and time intervals between insecticide treatments will vary with the kind of insecticide and the formulation.
Flea control will not be successful if only one approach is used. The animal and its environment must be treated simultaneously, and that treatment must be combined with regular sanitation efforts. Read all product labels carefully. Do not overexpose your pet by combining too many treatments at one time, such as a collar, a shampoo and a dust. Pesticides have a cumulative effect. Be aware of each product's toxicity and do not endanger yourself or the animal by using excessive amounts of any one product or by combining products.
To end, please remember that flea control will only be successful when you treat both your pet and the environment simultaneously. Hope this article is useful in helping you manage flea problems.
About the Author:
Moses Chia is a dog lover and owner of DogsObedienceTraining.com ? The dog training resource site for a happier and healthier dog.
You are welcome to reprint this article if you keep the content and live link intact.
Are you thinking about getting some discus then and want... Read More
Even if you haven't had a run-in involving your pet... Read More
Just like humans, dogs are subject to diseases and illnesses.... Read More
When looking to purchase a purebred dog, you need to... Read More
"You've created your own monster, you know", my mother said... Read More
If you are keeping tetras, chances are you are breeding... Read More
Goldfish HealthcareYou would think that it's unfair that such a... Read More
1. Clipping the quick when cutting nails.Don't be in a... Read More
Buy or Adopt - That is the question.If you intend... Read More
One of the reasons I strongly encourage horse owners to... Read More
Many people ask the question: "Should we get a purebreed... Read More
Once other animals such as cattle, sheep and goats became... Read More
They may seem to be bold explorers - sniffing at... Read More
Pet ContainmentIf you just recently became a pet owner or... Read More
If you are considering opening a dog day care, then... Read More
Talk to the animals?Yes.And what's more, they talk to us!If... Read More
Your dog is a social being, just like you! He/she... Read More
"Doggy breath" ? that unpleasant odor emanating from the mouths... Read More
Before you decide to give your dog canine arthritis medicine... Read More
Just how old is your dog really? More than likely... Read More
The act of offering Christmas gifts is always enhanced if... Read More
Puppy development and growth is very exciting. After a puppy... Read More
Grooming means taking care of the physical maintenance of the... Read More
"Hamsters?!" I hear you say. "Who cares about some fury... Read More
Did you know that arthritis affects one in five dogs... Read More
If you are looking for tips on breeding tropical fish,... Read More
Having a cat allergy came as something of a surprise... Read More
Knowing how to feed your betta is fundamental, because doing... Read More
Wether it be on a vacation to your favorite resort,... Read More
Grocery Stores could use some larger Dog Food Isles. Not... Read More
Part1: There is Actually a "Wrong" Way to Crate TrainCrate... Read More
The American Kennel Club recognizes 150 different dog breeds. There... Read More
Adding a new member to your feline family is usually... Read More
If you are looking for tips on breeding tropical fish,... Read More
When you get a puppy, one of the first things... Read More
"Dogs are our link to paradise. They don't know evil... Read More
According to holistic veternarian Dr. Jane Bicks, the maximum life... Read More
Buying a purebred dog is not something that should be... Read More
People love big, protective and loving dogs and that's why... Read More
How many times have you seen this situation where a... Read More
Was he the world's greatest horse trainer of all time?... Read More
Over the last 15 years, I have raised nine orphaned... Read More
Part 2: Protecting your petIf you own a cat, then... Read More
Dog day care programs benefit the dogs of owner's who... Read More
As a pet owner, no doubt you want to give... Read More
Boarding, Breeding, Training & Showing Stables:1. You need to fill... Read More
You've picked out the perfect puppy. You spent hours on... Read More
Talk to the animals?Yes.And what's more, they talk to us!If... Read More
It is entirely normal to look for signs of intelligence... Read More
I'm a pariah among the dog fanciers in my community.... Read More
Your poor pooch is scratching himself all over. Plus, you... Read More
While a bird is an easy pet to care for,... Read More
What is Separation Anxiety?When you leave the house, it is... Read More
Training Tips for a Happy and Healthy Relationship with Your... Read More
A dog crate is a necessity for your dog, through... Read More
Dog SupplementsA good nutritional program of dog supplements is just... Read More
a) GrowlingIf your rabbit growls or grunts at you, she... Read More
Clone a Cat, Go To Jail ...or at least... Read More
Whether purely for looks or for a bird's home, bird... Read More
There is nothing more adorable than a new puppy. Large... Read More
Dogs are descendent of wolves. To study the psychology of... Read More
Pomeranians have tiny mouths and itty bitty teeth, but not... Read More
You are ready to bring your Boxer home? First, you... Read More
While "late is better than never," sooner is better than... Read More
Obesity is one of the greatest health concerns facing dogs.... Read More
Are there so many great dog breeds out there that... Read More
Pet |