Fleas and Ticks
Fleas and ticks are common ectoparasites of dogs, cats, and other mammals. Fleas and ticks are transmitted from animal to animal, as well as by the environment. Many pets are exposed to fleas and ticks outside in yards, patios, dog parks, or on walks. Humans can even bring fleas into their home on their shoes and clothing. Fleas and ticks cause itching, hair loss, allergies, anemia, skin infection, as well as transmitting parasites such as tapeworms or serious diseases such as Ehrlichiosis, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, and Lymes disease. Pets living in Texas should be on flea and tick prevention year-round.
More About Treating Fleas
Fleas are a very common skin disease of dogs and cats in the southern United States. An adult female flea can lay up to 60 eggs a day. Since fleas can multiply so quickly, it is easy to see how rapidly a flea infestation can occur. There are four life stages in the life of a flea: adult, egg, larva, and pupa. The adult flea spends its time on the dog or cat, while the egg, larva, and pupa develop in the environment. It is important to treat the environment as well as the pet in order to get rid of fleas.
Treat the pet
A pet with fleas should be given a Capstar initially to kill the adult fleas on the pet. Capstar starts to kill adult fleas within 30 minutes and kills fleas for up to seven hours. Once an animal has received Capstar, a topical product such as Promeris, Frontline, or Revolution should be applied to continue killing fleas on the pet for weeks. Some topical flea products are adulticides (kills adult fleas) as well as insect growth regulators (keep fleas from hatching eggs). Topical flea products should be applied initially, repeated in two weeks, and then applied monthly to prevent reinfestation.
Treat the Environment
The pet's environment should be treated at the same time the pet is treated for fleas. Indoors, the area should be treated with an environmental spray such as Knockout or Mycodex environmental spray. Fleas like to live in dark, shady areas. The spray should be applied along baseboards and under furniture. After spray application, vacuum the whole house and throw the vacuum bag away so the fleas don't hatch in the vacuum bag. The pet's bedding should be washed and dried. The outdoor environment should be treated, too. This can be done professionally or with an area treatment. Area treatment products can be purchased at our clinic, a pet supply store, or at a hardware store.
Remember:
The key to preventing fleas is monthly application of a topical flea preventative such as Promeris, Frontline, or Revolution. Without consistent monthly application, your pet will be susceptible to fleas.
A flea problem on your pet means a flea problem in your home. Understanding the flea life cycle and methods for its control can be a daunting task. We will gladly assist you in this process. We can provide you with safe, effective flea prevention and if necessary, flea treatment.
