How do I know if my pet has fleas? Fleas are small (1 to 2 mm long) and move quickly through your pets coat so sometimes they are hard to find. One of the best places to look for them is around the base of the tail. However, you ‘re most likely to see small black specks of dried blood the flea excretes at regular intervals A quick brush of the coat over white paper helps to find both the fleas and their dirt. The fleas you see are only part of the problem !
As discomforting as they may be, the adult fleas you see represent only 5% of the total infestation in your home. About 10 times that or 50% of the total population exist in the egg stage, approximately 35% more in the larvae stage, and 10% the pupae stage, all waiting to develop. Treating only the fleas you see leaves a huge potential for a continuing problem. Adult females lay as many as 40-50 eggs a day which drop off all around your house- in carpets, upholstery, around baseboards, pets bedding, your bed, anywhere your pet has been! What do fleas do to my pet? · Fleas feed on your pet’s blood, causing irritation, allergic reaction and in severe cases skin infections and hair loss. · Ingestion of the larvae causes tapeworm infections in our pet, a nasty intestinal parasite. · Can cause anemia (low level of red blood cells) especially dangerous for puppies and kittens · Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD) · Constant chewing can wear down the front teeth especially in dogs What do I DO? 1. Chose the product right for your pet and their lifestyle. (See Over) 2. Vacuum the house thoroughly or mop those hard floor surfaces well. The eggs and larvae can be dormant for 6 months and then hatch in the right conditions. Throw out the mop head or vacuum bags! Possibly spray with Siphotrol if infestation is especially bad. 3. Start with the appropriate flea control and prevention medication you have chosen before you see a problem. |