Attempting to control fleas on our pets is a multi-step process. Adult fleas spend most of their time on an animal, but the flea eggs, larvae and pupae are found in abundance in the environment such as in carpeting, rugs, bedding, and grass. For every flea that you see on your pet, there are likely to be hundreds or thousands of eggs and larvae in your home and yard. Truly effective flea control program always includes treating the environment as well as treating your pet. These are the essential steps for a successful flea control program:
Indoor flea control involves mechanically removing all stages of the fleas, killing any remaining adults, and preventing immature forms from developing.
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Start by vacuuming thoroughly.It is estimated that vacuuming can remove up to 50% of flea eggs. Vacuum daily in high traffic areas, weekly in others.
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Use a product that will kill any remaining adult fleas and also stop the development of eggs and larvae. This can be in the form of carpet powders, foggers, or sprays.Choose the product(s) you use with care, taking into account the presence of children, fish, birds, persons with asthma, etc. Your veterinarian can help you choose the appropriate products for your situation. In severe infestations, you may need the help of a professional exterminator.
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Wash your pet's bedding weekly and treat the bed and surrounding area with a product that contains both an adulticide and an insect growth regulator.
- Do not forget to also clean and treat your automobile, pet carrier, garage, basement, or any other place your pet spends much time.
Flea Control in the Outdoor Environment
Flea control in the outdoor environment generally involves treating the yard and kennel areas where fleas are most likely to occur. Fleas tend to like it where it is moist, warm, shady, and where there is organic debris. They will also tend to be where pets spend more of their outdoor time. So be sure to concentrate on areas such as patios, under porches, dog houses, etc.Rake away any organic debris such as leaves, straw, grass clippings, etc., to disturb flea habitat and allow any flea and tick product you use outdoors to penetrate.If you are going to treat your yard, we prefer an environmentally safe spray containing fenvalerate for this purpose. There are also sprays which contain insect growth regulators which can be usedYou may need to treat the yard every 7 to 21 days depending on the product.
Flea Control on Your Pet
Revolution: a monthly spot on for the treatment of fleas and heartworm available from your vet
Now that we've taken care of the fleas in your home and treated your yard, it's time to eliminate the fleas that are on your pet. There are a number of flea control products for use on pets, including once-a-month topical products, sprays, shampoos, collars, powders, and oral treatments. Keep in mind that until all of the fleas in your home have died, you will probably still see some fleas, even on a treated pet, since some immature forms may continue to develop. This may take several weeks to 6 months or more, depending on your particular situation. Your veterinarian can give you advice as to the most appropriate treatment for your individual circumstances
Once-a-month Topicals: Once-a-month topical insecticides are applied to a small area on your pet's back, are probably the easiest product to use, and generally last the longest. Some kill fleas and ticks, and others just kill fleas som examples include Revolution, Advantage, Advantix, Frontline and Advocate. Since many dog products can be very harmful if used on cats, Remember: Do NOT use products containing permethrins on cats.
Shampoos: Flea and tick shampoos only rid the pet of the fleas and ticks on the pets. They provde no protection against re-infestation as soon as 48hours after shampooing.
Collars: Flea & Tick Collars are generally
poorly effective in controlling an infestation. If they are to be used they must be applied properly. To get the right degree of snugness, you should just be able to get two fingers between the collar and your pet's neck, otherwise, that animal or other pets may try to chew on the end. Check the package for information on duration of effectiveness since some collars lose effectiveness when they get wet, e.g., if your dog swims a lot.
Oral and Injectable Products: Capstar is an oral product that is approved for use in dogs and cats. It will kill adult fleas, but only for a period of 24 hours or less. It is useful in situations such as boarding, grooming, and prior to surgery or for control of flea allergic pets. Because Capstar is out of your pet's system in 24 hours, it should be followed with a longer-lasting product that will work on both adult and immature fleas
PREVENTION --- PREVENTION --- PREVENTION
Flea control is complicated and the most appropriate flea prevention for your situation is best determined by the staff at Huntingdale veterinary centre
With the appearance of the nice sunny weather recently, the staff and veterinarians at Huntingdale veterinary centre are seeing a rise in fleas on pets also with a large number of bewildered and disgusted clients who where unaware their pet was infested. Similarly a number of clients are having trouble controlling fleas on their pets with re-infestation becoming a big problem. So with that in mind we have developed a flea control plan for your pet. Obviously there are differences in controlling fleas on cats and dogs and it is best you seek veterinary advise before proceeding with the decontamination of your property.
Left: fleas biting a human host