The Battle of Fleas: You Can Win!

Attacking the flea problem on your dogs and cats, in your home, and in your yard will take energy, time, and money, but rest assured that your efforts will have a big payoff. Fleas on your dog or cat is an irritating problem for them. When those fleas enter your home that is definitely the time when you want to launch the battle to kill each and every flea. Unwanted? True. Permanent infestation? False. Your dog’s and cat’s health is of upmost important, and you also want a home free of those pests. You can win the battle!

The most important thing to remember when you are in the process of eliminating fleas is DO NOT use a dog medication for fleas on your cat. Cats have separate medication. Any medication with permethrin can cause death in cats. Cats should not come in contact with a dog that has been treated with medication with this ingredient. Some household products could also be detrimental to our pets, so be sure to read the small print on the container and also the paper of information inside the box.

The flea has a cycle of maturity so it is important and necessary to kill all stages. An adult flea lives on our pet. As the fleas take nourishment from our pet in the form of sucking blood, it lays eggs. The eggs are slippery so the fall off onto the floor, bedding, furniture, or wherever your pet is at the time. The fleas also leave flea dirt, which is flea feces, and it also falls off with the eggs or larvae. The flea dirt is food for the egg or larvae. The larvae does not like light so it will find some dark place to live, such as deep in the carpet, under furniture, in corners, under floor molding, etc.

The larvae develop into pupae; each pupae becomes encased in a cocoon. When the cocoon detects pressure, noise, heat, carbon dioxide or vibrations, it will hatch in a matter of seconds. Now it is ready to attack your dog or cat, or bite a human’s leg.

Fleas can live, waiting in the cocoon, for up to 2 years. However, this cycle most commonly takes place within 15 days. Central heating and wall to wall carpeting can create ideal conditions for these cocoons to be a year around problem. You will want to control the flea infestation as quickly as possible.

Fleas are not only irritating to our pets because they itch, then scratch and cause skin irritation, the fleas can also cause internal problems for your dog or cat. If they ingest the fleas while grooming, the fleas can cause tape worms. If a kitten has fleas, the sucking of their blood can cause anemia, weakness, or even death. The process of eliminating the fleas should be done on the pet, in the home, and in the yard at the same time. Eliminating the fleas from your pet only means cocoons could still hatch from the carpet and re-infest your pet. Eliminating the fleas from your home and not the pet means the pet could re-infest the carpet. If your cats and dogs are flea free, and you have eliminated the flea problem in your home, there may be one more place to attack; your yard. If your pets go outdoors, you will need to eliminate the flea problem in your yard also.

There are several remedies to treat your dog and cat, your home and yard.

1. Remember: Do Not use the same flea medication on both your dog and cat. It could cause death in your cat. They have individual medication for dogs and cats.

2. Vacuum: Thoroughly vacuum carpets, every corner of your home, around baseboards, every crevice, under furniture, in between cushions, under beds, etc., everywhere it is dark where the larvae will want to go. They don’t like light. The vacuuming stimulates the fleas to hatch from its cocoon and they can easily be vacuumed up. Throw away the bag immediately when finished, or empty the contents in a container or bag that can be discarded.

3. Powders: Powders are available to dust on your dog or cat. It can be effective as long as it stays on the pet. This powder is a poison, so be careful when petting your pet. These powders will wash off of your pet during shampooing or even when they are in the rain. There are also powders that you can use in your yard to destroy fleas.

4. Collars: Collars can be effective on your dog or cat. Be aware of any irritation that might occur on their skin around the neck area.

5. Shampoos: There are pet shampoos that will kill the fleas. Since there are several kinds of shampoo, read the labels to decide which one fits your needs.

6. Dips: Fleas dips are good. There is new research creating pet-friendly, environment-friendly, human-friendly dip. They are not flea friendly.

7. On-pet sprays: The sprays are easy to use and are an option to use in between the shampooing.

8. Monthly spot application is becoming very popular as an easy and effective way to kill fleas. They are applied once a month on the back of the neck. Many are available, and some are only available through your veterinarian. Some are multi-functional because they treat other illnesses such as ear mites and heartworms. These are expensive but they can well be worth their price.

9. Foggers: Foggers are good for your home especially if it is an open area. However, the fumes do not get under furniture, under beds, or in hard to reach dark places.

10. IRG: Products that have IRG (Insect Growth Regulators) are a good choice. They don’t allow the live fleas to reproduce.

11. Sprays: Sprays are another option and are good to use in the yard. Some come with a hose adaptor for ease in application. You can also use some sprays in your home. Do Not vacuum for at least 2 weeks after you spray your home. Letting the spray remain on the flooring will help eliminate any flea births. There are several spray insecticides to choose from, so read the labels carefully.

All of these different products can help, but you should consider the people in your home. If you have any small children that could come in contact with powders, sprays, etc., all of these products contain some sort of poison, you will want to use a product that will be family friendly.

Your goal should be to eliminate all stages of the flea cycle. Be sure to eliminate the infested areas of your home and yard in addition to your dog or cat. Since the cocoon can hatch every 15 days, under ideal conditions, it may be necessary to go through the thorough cleaning process more than once.

You may think that only dirty homes become infested. This is not true. Even clean homes can become infested. Fleas can come in your home on your shoes, your pet, or a friend’s pet.

You can win the battle, and a battle it will become. Be diligent in your efforts and it will pay off with a bonus of a flea free environment. Check with your veterinarian for the best products for your dog’s and cat’s health. He may also have recommendations for your home and yard. This article is to make you aware that you do have many options to solve the pesky flea problems.

Your dog’s and cat’s health is very important to you. Your pet will be grateful for all to do to make them free of the disease and your home will be comfortable for you and your pets.

Disclaimer: I am not a veterinarian nor do I have any formal training in any medical field. This article is not to replace the advice of your veterinarian. I am only providing options and ideas that you may want to discuss with your veterinarian.

About the Author:
Lori Kniff loves cats and dogs. She has had a cat most of her life and several dogs. She is concerned with the health and welfare of our pets.
Please visit http://www.pawsitivepamperings.com for items that will help you show your love for your cat or dog.