A flea infestation can be more problematic than you may think. Fleas pose a threat to your pet’s health, because they can transmit intestinal parasites, such as tapeworm, through their bite.
While monthly preventatives are usually sufficient to keep cats and dogs flea-free, they aren’t always enough to keep the bugs at bay. Monthly flea treatments that have been on the market for a number of years may not be as effective as they once were, because fleas may have developed some level of resistance to the formulas over the years. If you’re using a topical or oral monthly flea product and still seeing fleas appear on your pet and/or in your home, consider switching products or doubling your efforts with a second flea-fighting agent.
Be wary when selecting a flea product from a pet store. A number of the off-brand products you’ll find on the shelves of major pet supply chains contain ingredients like pyrethrin that are toxic to some pets. It is always safest to purchase a flea product directly from a veterinary office. Central Animal Hospital stocks several non-toxic, high quality flea products in our clinic, and a wide variety are available for purchase through our online pharmacy. If you’re unsure as to which product to get, our vets can recommend one that is best suited to your pet and household.
Once they’ve found their way into your home, fleas can be difficult to eradicate. They are drawn to dark, damp places in the home, where vacuums may not always reach. Flea eggs can remain dormant for up to a year, so killing the live ones won’t prevent the problem from recurring. There are a slew of solutions – both natural and chemical – to eradicating fleas from your home and pet. This article from Canine Journal outlines some of the most common and effective methods.
Fleas can become a big problem, fast. If you suspect your pet or home may be hosting them, address the problem as quickly as possible. Should you ever have concerns about fleas or a flea prevention protocol for your pet, call the clinic at (408) 377-4043.