Flea Control

Flea Control Solutions

Flea Control can be a major problem for pets and their owners. Northern regions may only have to deal with fleas during warmer seasons, but other regions that don't experience a hard freeze will likely have flea problems all year long.

The saliva in a flea bite causes an allergic reaction in most pets, and the severity of that reaction varies from one animal to the next. Pets affected by fleas will begin scratching; some a little, others a lot. The scratching can add to the skin irritation, and if the skin becomes broken, bacteria and fungi can cause an infection that will require treatment by a veterinarian.

Fleas are also an intermediate host for tapeworms, which can infest your dog's intestinal track and require an oral medication for treatment.

As you can see, these insects are a nuisance and a potential health threat to your pet, but you can get them under control by taking a three pronged approach to eliminating fleas.

For Your Pet

Here are a number of items that will kill and/or repel fleas, but it is very important to read the labeling and warnings before you use them on your pet. Some flea control products are not suitable for use on pups or kittens, and can cause injury or death. If you have any questions about which products are safe, consult your qualified veterinarian.

• Flea collars are useful for cutting down the infestation on your pet. Some collars contain an insecticide that kills the fleas, while others use a chemical growth inhibitor that affects the fleas' ability to reproduce, thus ending the population growth. Some collars combine both approaches and will continue working for four to six months before needing replacement.
• Flea powders and sprays can reduce infestation on your pet. Adams Flea Spray kills fleas on contact and provides some repelling action against reinfestation. Once only sold through vets, this product can now be purchased in many pet supply shops. Flea powders are less popular than they once were because they are a bit messy, creating a cloud when your dog shakes. However, they can be useful for dusting your pet's bedding, killing any hiding fleas and their hatching eggs.
• Insecticidal shampoos can also bring quick relief to a pet suffering from fleas. Most of these shampoos not only kill fleas on contact when properly applied, but also contain anti-itch medication that helps soothe the flea bites, helping your pet to quit scratching.
• Flea dips are insecticidal products that are mixed in water and then poured through your pet's coat, killing fleas and providing residual flea control for a few weeks afterward.
• Spot-On flea control products such as Frontline, and Advantage are useful in the fight to control fleas. One drop of this insecticide placed between your pet's shoulders will help kill fleas for approximately thirty days, and the product is waterproof. It should be noted that these products sometimes cause irritation at the application site, so it's best to check with your vet first before the initial application.

Many of these flea control products also have the side benefit of protecting your pet from ticks, another health threat to you and your pet.

For Your Home

Once your pet brings fleas into your home, it becomes necessary to treat this area also. Fleas don't spend all of their time on your pet, and they can also lay their eggs around the household, leading to infestation.

Begin by thoroughly vacuuming all carpeting and furniture, being sure to pull out the cushions and vacuum the crevices as well. If your pet's bed is washable, then go ahead and run it through the washer along with any blankets and throw rugs your pet likes to rest on. Next, lightly apply a powdered flea control product under all cushions and lightly on any carpeting to kill remaining eggs and new fleas that may be brought inside.

For very heavy home infestations, it may be necessary to use a room fogger, also known as a flea bomb, to knock out the current flea population. Follow the directions on these products carefully, as nearly all recommend that you and all of your pets leave the home for several hours while the fogger is in use.

For Your Yard

Unless you treat your yard, you pet will likely continue attracting fleas, bringing them back into your home. This third step in controlling fleas involves treating the entire yard with an outdoor insecticidal spray or powder which specifically lists fleas as a target on the label. Adult fleas can be killed with products that contain pyrethrins, but pre-adult fleas and eggs need to be treated with a product that contains methoprene to halt their growth.

If you prefer an organic, non-toxic approach, you could try using nematodes. Nematodes are a type of worm that actually live on flea larvae, and can be purchased through some veterinarians under the brand name Interrupt. Simply sprinkle the product through the yard, and your flea problems should soon disappear.

Conclusion

When flea troubles arise, it's important to be as thorough as possible in treating the problems to break the cycle of infestation and provide relief for your pet and your household.

External Links

• Bullwrinkle.com discount pet medicines and flea control products.

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