Fleas may be tiny, but they can cause a big headache for both pets and owners! As the warmer weather arrives, we’re starting to see more and more pets come through our doors with flea issues.
Whether you’ve dealt with fleas before or want to be proactive this year, here’s what every pet parent needs to know.
Why Fleas Are So Hard to Get Rid Of
One of the most frustrating things about fleas is how sneaky they are. Fleas lay eggs that can stay dormant for weeks until they sense heat. Once they sense that heat, they hatch and multiply. The worst part is that fleas are not just hanging around on your pet. They are in the grass which can lead to them being in your bedding, carpets, and furniture.
Even if your pet is primarily an inside pet, they are still susceptible to fleas! Just by stepping outside to use the bathroom, they are putting themselves at risk of fleas.
What to Watch For
Many pet parents assume they will find the fleas. But that’s not always the case. Some pets might not show obvious signs of fleas, while others might have full blown allergies to fleas. One sign of fleas are small black specks on your pet’s skin or bedding. If you see this! Just know that it’s not dirt! It’s a sure sign of fleas. Here in Texas, we only have red dirt, so anything black can be a warning sign of fleas.
How to Treat a Flea Problem
If your pet has fleas, it’s important to treat both your pet and your environment. Here are a few suggestions:
- Thoroughly wash all bedding – this includes your bedding and your pet’s on hot cycles.
- Vacuum daily – especially on carpet or any where your pet sleeps
- Treat your yard – use pet-safe sprays or treatments to kill fleas where they live
- Come see us – we can recommend the best flea prevention option for your pet!
What Prevention Works and What Doesn’t
The good news about flea prevention is that we have lots of safe and effective options, all which depend on your pet’s needs and lifestyle:
- Chewables: These are convenient, long-lasting, and often include protection against fleas, ticks, and heartworms. They’re great for pets who swim or bathe frequently, since there’s no topical residue.
- Topical treatments: These are applied to the skin and focus just on flea control. They’re effective but can be a little tricky. Some pets have a reaction to the formula. Just be sure to check in with us before starting any treatments.
- Flea collars – Modern collars can be a great low-maintenance option. Some newer designs last up to six months, and they don’t release dust like older versions. If your pet tolerates a collar well, this can be an excellent choice.
Whatever you choose, avoid products that contain organophosphates. Flea prevention with organophosphates in them are outdated chemicals which are found in some over-the-counter treatments, and can cause serious side effects, including seizures. If you’re ever unsure, check with your vet before using any new flea control product.
We’re Here to Help
Fleas are common in our area, but that doesn’t mean you have to deal with them alone. At Rose City Veterinary Hospital, we’re here to help you find the safest, most effective flea prevention plan for your pet and your home.
If you’ve spotted signs of fleas or want to get ahead of them before they start, give us a call. We’ll walk you through your options and help keep your pet comfortable, happy, and flea-free this season.
