What should you do if your cat or dog has a flea infection?

What are fleas?

Fleas are small insects known as ectoparasites that feed on the blood of their hosts through their bites. They jump easily from one animal to another, or from one animal to humans, and their bites cause small red bumps that are very itchy. Fleas are active year-round but can become a bigger problem during the summer. They have different life stages, from egg hatching to adulthood. Fleas spend most of their time in the environment rather than on animals, laying eggs around the house and dormant in floors, carpets and furniture for up to a year.

How do I know if my pet has fleas?

There are some signs of fleas such as:

• Itching/scratching, focusing on the neck and base of tail
• Biting/chewing skin
• Small red spots or scabs appear on the pet’s body
• Witnessing fleas on fur
• "Flea dirt" in fur (small black dirt seen when combing fur)

These are just some signs. If your pet shows any of these signs, it could be fleas, or they could have a skin disease . If you are very concerned about your pet's skin, or you really think they have signs of fleas, seek veterinary advice.

Why does my pet need flea treatment?

As you can imagine, having fleas carried in your pet's fur can be very uncomfortable. Being constantly itchy and having to scratch their skin is not a pleasant experience for them or for you as the owner.

Some pets are very sensitive to flea saliva, which can lead to a very serious and uncomfortable skin reaction called flea allergy dermatitis. Very young or older pets may also be at higher risk of developing anemia due to fleas feeding on blood.

Indoor pets should still receive flea treatment because even though they don't go outside, you still do. Fleas and flea eggs can be brought in from outside clothing or from other pets that go outside.

How do I treat my pet for fleas?

The best way to deal with fleas is to treat your pet once a month , as it is much easier to prevent a flea infestation than to treat it.

Although there are a variety of flea treatments, we recommend using prescription medications from your veterinary clinic whenever possible. Your pet must have regular veterinary check-ups so your medication can be prescribed. They will make sure your pet is healthy, and since the medication is given by weight, your veterinarian will need an up-to-date weight to ensure the correct dose is dispensed.

There are many flea treatment products available in supermarkets and pet stores, but some of them may not be as effective as those prescribed by your veterinarian. You must not use any flea or repellent product on a species other than that for which it was designed, such as using a cat flea treatment on a dog or vice versa. Using the wrong flea or worming treatment or medication strength can cause serious side effects for your pet. Advice from a veterinary professional will ensure you use the treatment that is best for your pet.

I have used flea treatment products but I still see fleas!

There are many reasons why you might still see some fleas after treating your pet.

• Flea treatments do not necessarily kill fleas immediately. Most take about 24 hours to work, but this does vary from product to product.
• Your application method may not be correct. Be sure to follow the instructions on the packaging exactly. If you have difficulty with this we recommend that you make an appointment with a veterinary nurse as they can walk you through the application process.
• Give your pet a bath or let them play in the water before the product works. It usually takes about 24 hours to sink into water, so avoid getting it in water after applying.
• Since fleas spend most of their time in the home environment, you may want to treat your house like a pet.
  In a multi-pet household, all animals need to be treated or fleas can spread from pet to pet.

If you have any doubts that the treatment you are using is not working, we always recommend consulting your veterinary team.

How do I treat fleas in my home?

Since fleas spend most of their lives in the environment, treating your pet alone will not eliminate fleas from your home. If you have recently moved to a new environment where you have had pets before, it is a good idea to treat the environment before introducing your pet. Empty houses are perfect for dormant fleas as they can survive without a host for up to a year!

We recommend using a household flea spray on all floors, sofas and bedding. Always follow the directions on the product exactly. In particular, many household sprays can be harmful to aquatic life, so be sure to clear the area of ​​any fish tanks before treating.

It may take several repeat treatments to resolve these issues. After vacuuming during the treatment, be sure to discard the contents of the vacuum as this will ensure that no fleas are left in the house. Anything that can be put in the washing machine should be, and everything should be washed at a temperature of at least 60 degrees to kill any remaining fleas.