Fleas are an annoying parasite that are seen year round, but more often in spring and summer. The larvae and eggs can survive up to a year in the environment and only the adult flea actually lives on your pet. To control the flea population you should also decontaminate the pet’s environment. Vacuum and clean carpets regularly and wash bedding in hot water. Flea shampoos and collars are not effective on their own as the environment can stay infected for up to a year. The fleas may not live on the pet but will still feed on them. This can result in an allergic reaction to the flea saliva. This can cause a condition known as Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD). Treatment of FAD is recommended to be done under the care of a vet as it can be quite complicated.
Symptoms of flea infestation includes: Biting, scratching, hair loss and you may also notice the fleas on your pet. You can also check your pet for flea dirt by placing a moist cotton ball on the fur of the rump. If it shows black specks and a reddish area, your pet most probably has fleas.
Ensure that flea treatments meant for dogs are not applied to cats as some brands can be lethal if applied to cats instead of dogs. Use a cat safe brand for cats. Speak to your vet about the best flea control for your pet.
