Fleas are extremely annoying, not just to pets but to their owners as well. These tiny creatures are the most common parasites of dogs and cats. They are hard to catch and kill because once you spot them they can quickly jump as high as 7 inches and as far as 13 inches. They are considered one of the best jumpers in the insect kingdom. While fleas can infest pets any season, the problem becomes worse during warm-weather months.
Health Risks Of Fleas To Your Pets
- Allergic Dermatitis – This is a reaction if your pet is allergic to fleas' saliva. This can result in severe itchy little bumps, which can also lead to their coat falling out.
- Hot Spots – These are caused by constant scratching, resulting in pain in the affected area.
- Tapeworms – These are internal parasites that infest the intestinal tract. Pets could accidentally ingest fleas. Flea larvae ingest tapeworm and they can carry it until adulthood. Tapeworms can steal nutrients from their host and may result in your pet losing weight.
- Anemia – Since fleas suck up blood, a severe infestation could lead to blood loss. Puppies and kittens have a higher risk of anemia compared to adults.
- Bartonella Infection – An infection caused by a flea that carries other parasites, which can also affect humans. Symptoms include swelling of lymph nodes, vomiting, diarrhea, seizure, and fever.
- Plague – A fatal disease that can also be transmitted by rodents. Affected pets are mostly rabbits.
Flea Treatment For Pets
- Oral Tablet – This medicine travels to your pet’s bloodstream and up to the skin’s surface to kill fleas.
- Liquid Solution – This should be applied directly to the pet’s skin. This treats the present infestation and prevents fleas from coming back.
- Flea Collars – These are coated with chemicals to repel fleas and ticks. They come in different sizes, can be adjusted, and can last for several months.
- Flea Comb – Also safe and generally does not have chemical content, but it may not be that effective in removing eggs. You may want to use it while manually removing the eggs.
- Flea Spray – This acts as a repellent that is mostly used after every bath. It should not be sprayed directly on your pet’s face. Put gloves on your hand(s), spray the repellent, then gently rub on your pet’s face.
- Flea Powder – This works like flea spray. You can also sprinkle the powder onto the pet’s beddings.
- Shampoo – This should be used in every bath. Apply and leave the product on your pet's skin for a few minutes to allow it to sit on the skin.
- Manual removal – Some pets could be allergic to flea treatment products that contain chemicals.
To effectively treat flea infestation, you must be able to kill all of the fleas. No single flea should survive and stay alive, because it can still multiply. For big pets, getting rid of every single flea by manually removing every one of them can be very inconvenient, time-consuming, and nearly impossible. For young small kittens and puppies, it can be possible and safer since babies don’t have strong immune systems like adults to handle the chemical content of treatments.