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Itchy Pets…. Does Summer Always Mean Fleas?
As we all know, summer is the time that our pets seem most afflicted by these pests. To understand why we treat fleas all year round, lets revisit the topic again! On a positive note, there is a lot that is new in both our knowledge of how fleas live and how best to make sure they don't make our life a misery! Some of the information is directly opposite to what has always been thought.
The Flea
Fleas will bite people as well as our pets
Some people are more attractive to fleas than others.
Often you don't know whether your pet has fleas. If you look carefully you might see the black grit of flea faeces in your pet's coat or bedding. Occasionally you will spot them running around the skin. They are brown or black, 102mm long and very fast!
Flea NEVER jump from pet to pet--your pet cannot catch fleas from another pet.
Fleas spread from animal to animal through their life cycle. The eggs are sticky and stay on the coat for a while. They drop off and hatch in your house. The flea larvae then develop into an adult flea inside the cocoon. When a suitable host comes along they hatch and jump on to their new meal ticket. They are able to do this by sensing movement and changes in the air within seconds.
Treatment
Treatment needs to kill the adult flea or break the life cycle. Adult fleas are best treated with Advantage. It is given on the back of the neck and is very safe. Fleas take a few hours to die after contact.
Breaking the cycle of fleas is best done with Program. This prevents the flea eggs from hatching.
Remember
It is better to prevent fleas rather than treat them when you see them. By the time they are visible, they are already happily cocooned in your carpets! We are always happy to discuss your pet's flea treatment with you at the clinic.
Paul Hobson MRCVS
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