The dangers of flea infestation
It is always a source of annoyance when you discover that your dog has
fleas. It probably first comes to you attention when you notice your
dog continually scratching and the animal begins to show some signs of
distress. Or it may well be that you discover bite marks on your body.
A close inspection soon reveals the problem. Fleas! A flea is small,
disease carrying, and hard to kill. A flea is a little pest that can
make both you and your dog completely miserable. Here are some ways to
help prevent this happening.
If you already have fleas, you are going to want to make sure that they
are completely gone. For minor infestations, wash all linens and
bedding, including things like curtains and sofa covers. Pay special
attention to the areas that your pet frequents. Vacuum all carpeted
areas, immediately removing the bag and taking it out of the house.
Fleas can live quite happily inside the vacuum bag, so if it is not
removed they will simply hop back out again and re-infest your home. In
severe cases, you may want to leave your home for a few days, taking
your dog with you, and have a professional exterminator come in and
spray.
Always check yourself. Though humans are not the blood meal of choice
for fleas, they can be carriers. Watch for small, itchy bites,
especially below the knees. When going outside, avoid areas of thick
brush or tall grass, and wear clothing that is tight around the ankles
and wrists. You should shower immediately after being in flea-prone
areas. If you are around other animals that have fleas, change clothes
before entering your own home in the chance that there were any
hitchhikers.
Next, check your pet. You might see the fleas themselves as small
moving black bugs. Or you might only see a black dirty substance on
your pet’s hair. If you comb out a little of the dirt and place it on a
white paper towel and moisten it, it will turn red. This is flea
droppings, also known as flea dirt and is a sign of flea infestation.
If your pet has fleas, check with your veterinarian about the best
treatment. They may recommend a topical medication or a flea bath or
dip.
There are several options for flea control. You can choose flea
shampoos, which contain a minor toxin that kills fleas when you bathe
your dog. These are used like a regular shampoo just wet, lather, and
rinse. You can choose flea dips, where a concentrated toxin is poured
on the pet’s coat and let to sit, and then rinse off. Dips offer some
extended protection against new fleas. You can choose a topical
application such as Frontline or Advantage, where a small amount of
liquid is poured onto the animal’s skin. These last for about a month
or so, and some formulations even offer protection after swimming or
bathing. Or you can even get a product like Program that is offered in
a small, chewable treat. Program sterilizes adult fleas to keep them
from reproducing, thus controlling the invasion.
If you have fleas, you will also want to watch out for additional
health problems. Some dogs are actually allergic to fleabites, and even
one can set them off scratching and chewing at themselves. This can
lead to skin infections and hair loss. Watch for excessive chewing and
redness of the skin. Another common side effect of fleas is tapeworms.
Tapeworms are more difficult to detect on a stool sample diagnosis than
some of the other intestinal parasites. However, they can sometimes be
detected on the stool itself or on your pet. Seeing small, rice-like
segments in your pets coat, on the stool, or on places where you pet
frequents could indicate a problem and should be brought to the
attention of your vet.
You will want to prevent future infestations of fleas to your home and
pets. Make sure that all of the animals in your home are on a flea
preventative. Even indoor only pets are at risk pets that go outdoors
can bring fleas in, you could bring them in on your clothes, or they
can even come in through open windows. Check pets for fleas regularly,
and you might consider spraying areas of the yard that your pet
frequents with a pesticide. Be aware of flea-prone areas of your yard
such as densely vegetated areas or piles of brush. Keep the yard clear
and the grass short.
Fleas are a horrible nuisance and full of disease, but with a little
prevention both you and your pet will be more comfortable in the
knowledge that you are flea free!
