How to get rid of fleas on your pets
Fleas can be quite annoying and problematic – and not just for pets, but for their owners too.
Your pets can get fleas even if they are indoors at all times. Keeping your home free of insects can be quite challenging. However, with the right information and products, you can get rid of fleas on your pets and prevent future infestations.
If your pet has ever had fleas, then you’ll know all too well that fleas bite! The effects of fleas on pets are like all other insect bites; swelling and itchiness occurs around the bitten area. And it’s not just your pet who can suffer from flea bites – they’re quite partial to humans too.
In this article you can read some tips to help you to rid your pet and home of unwanted fleas.
Understand the enemy
To get started, it helps to understand the life cycle of fleas. This knowledge will aid you in getting rid of all fleas – from their eggs to the full-grown insect.
A flea undergoes four life stages. This includes the egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Adult fleas live on their host (your pet, in this case) and lay eggs there.
Their eggs are then distributed all over your home when your pet scratches, lies down, or shakes. The eggs hatch into larvae on your couches, beds, or carpet. The larvae evolve to a pupa and form a cocoon where they develop and become adults that can infest an animal.
Knowing this information will help you to choose the right products for killing fleas in each life cycle. Read the instructions on the label and follow the application guidelines.
Prevention
The best way to get rid of fleas on your cat or dog is to prevent them from getting there in the first place.
You can buy insect preventative treatments that kill fleas that land on your cat or dog’s fur, preventing them from spreading all over your home.
One of the recommended preventative products is the flea collar. Preventative prescriptions also kill fleas on already infected animals. It can help if you discuss with your vet about the suitable preventative options for your cat or dog.
If you have an insurance plan for your pets, they usually offer preventive care packs that can help you keep up with yearly check-ups, vaccines and lab tests that keep them healthy and free from fleas.
Treatment
If your pets are already infected with fleas, you’ll need to use more aggressive measures to get rid of the pests. Renowned products for treating fleas, such as flea shampoo and other fast-acting chemical treatments, can kill fleas within hours.
But before buying medications for your pet, consult with your vet, especially if your pet has any allergies or health problems. You should also read the directions on any product you intend to use. Pay special attention to age and weight.
Finally, these products contain chemical elements that may be harmful to your animal. So watch how your pet reacts to the treatment.
Get rid of fleas in your home
Killing the insects from your cat or dog is just part of the solution. If you have an infestation then you need to get rid of all the fleas in your home.
This can take time and require patience. In most scenarios, total eradication can take for four months – the approximated duration to ensure all fleas in your home have undergone their full life cycle.
Here are some of the measures you can use to eradicate all fleas from your home.
- Vacuum the carpets, floors, and tiles, and dispose of the vacuum bag.
- Wash all pet linen and bedding in soapy, hot water.
- Spray your home.
- Choose a monthly treatment for your dog.
Things to know before buying flea treatments
Her are some considerations to take into account when buying flea treatments.
Beware of fake products
Not all flea treatments are equal. And some unscrupulous people are selling fake branded products. So, to keep your pet safe, always buy flea treatments from reputable stores or from your vet.
Never administer cat treatment to dogs
The constituents of products meant to kill fleas are the same for both cat and dog products. The only difference is the dosage. Dogs require a higher dosage than cats. So dog medicine might be too strong, perhaps even lethal, for cast.
On the other hand, cat prescriptions may be too mild for your dog and therefore be ineffective.
Check the active ingredients
Most flea eliminating products contain pesticides and insecticides. Consult with your vet on the possible side effects of these components on your pet.
If you do notice your pet scratching more than usual, or any other signs of fleas, it’s important to take action quickly, as fleas can produce up to 50 eggs in just one day! Prevention is always better than cure.
So protect your pets and home from infestation by acting quickly and treating effectively.
