Ah, fleas...one of the biggest annoyances of dogs and cats. How do you control them? How do you prevent an infestation? Both great questions some pet owners do not know the answers to.
It is important to understand the flea life cycle. Adult fleas lay eggs, eggs hatch into larvae, larvae go into a cocoon-like stage called the pupa, and adults then come out and look for a blood meal. Most of the flea life cycle (which is 21 days from start to finish) takes place in your carpet and/or bedding. Adult fleas eat blood which they take from your unsuspecting pet. A huge flea infestation on an animal can lead to anemia and death.
So, how do pets get fleas? Well, dogs go outside to potty or go for a walk. The flea jumps on them and starts a life cycle. A cat who ventures out will come upon the same. Cats even get fleas when they hunt a rabbit or mouse that is usually loaded with fleas. So what about the dog or cat who does not go outside....it doesn't need flea prevention right? Wrong. While fleas do not live on humans, they like to "hitch a ride" on our pants or shoes to come in our house! They see that you have a lovely cat or dog for them to feed on and suddenly you have a flea problem. Oh and one other wonderful flea feature.... they carry tapeworms. YUCK! Your pet has a few fleas that itch them so they bite at it to help "scratch" themselves, swallow a flea, and get tapeworms! Aren't fleas fun?
There are several products you can use to prevent and treat a fleas. The best way is to go to your veterinarian and ask for flea prevention. These are products you usually give your pet once per month either orally or topically. Be VERY careful of buying products sold over the counter or through online "pet pharmacies". The products you can get in stores are not made of the right ingredients to actually kill fleas so they usually do not work. Some of those products can also be toxic to your pet! Flea collars are another method to avoid. They do not kill fleas either, they just keep them from being around your pet's neck. They will still live on your pet's back, legs, tail, etc. The "pet pharmacies" are not very reliable sources to get any meds from, including flea prevention. They sell what is called black market product, meaning it is shipped in from overseas illegally sometimes and it is not always the product it says it is on the package. These "pet pharmacies" are also not regulated by any government agencies (such as FDA) so the fake products can potentially be lethal to your dog or cat. You should also take note that flea shampoos do not work long term. When you bathe your cat or dog with a flea shampoo, you do kill SOME (but not all) of the adult fleas on your pet. You do not kill larvae or eggs or adult fleas in your carpet. As the flea life cycle continues, you will see more and more fleas coming "out of the wood works".
Your veterinarian can get you safe, reliable flea control methods. Frontline, Revolution, and Comfortis are just a few of the choices you have. All of these products will kill and prevent adult fleas, larvae, and eggs on your pet when used once a month. The cost to use these preventatives is about $13-17 a month. A flea infestation can cost you about $100-300 a month when all is said and done. Choose prevention...your pet (and pocket book) will thank you!
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