Pet Fleas
What is a Flea?
The Flea (Ctenocephalides felis) is a blood sucking external parasite found on cats and dogs. This parasite is species specific which means that it can not survive on all species including humans. Fleas need blood meals from your cat and dog to survive. Dogs and cats can pass the fleas between each other which is why both pets should be treated with flea medications.
Some 90% of the flea population is found in the environment ie: house, yard, etc and 10% on your pet. That means for every 1 flea found on your pet; 9 fleas are in your carpet, bed or your backyard.
Flea pupae (immature fleas) can lay dormint for months and are stimulated by vibrations, carbon dioxide and warming.
What Can I do about My Pet's Flea Problem ?
Since 90% of flea are in the environment and flea pupae are stimulated to hatch by vibrations, carbon dioxide and warmth your pets are the perfect activators. This can be used to your advantage by keeping quality flea protection on your pet.
Your pets can act as a flea vacuum cleaner if they are properly medicated with flea preventative. They stimulate the fleas to hatch, the fleas then jump on them and are destroyed when they bite by the medication. Keeping your pets on year round flea medications is the best method for breaking the flea life cycle in your house.
Clues that Your Pet May Have Fleas ?
Itching
Itching is a primary sign that your pet may be infested with fleas even if you have not seen them. Many pets are allergic to the saliva of the fleas. The saliva can produce a reaction known as Flea Allergic Dermatitis (FAD) which causes intense itching and hair lose.
Fleas dirt
Small dark flecks called “Flea dirt” can be found on animals infected with fleas. The Flea dirt is actually feces from the fleas and is produced by the fleas after eating a blood meal. Flea dirt is what most veterinarians look for when fleas are suspected and can often be found at the base of the tail.
See related articles for the details of different flea treatments and where to buy them:
5 Tips to Controlling Fleas in Your House
Flea Treatments
Capstar
Frontline
Advantage
Program
Related Articles
Flea Medications
Comparison of top vet recommended flea medications. What certain flea medications are good for and when you should use them.
Internal Pet Parasites
There are many kinds of parasites that can live in your pet. These parasites can hurt both you and your pet. Know how to treat these parasites and prevent transmissions of diseases to your family
Simple tips that will help you control fleas in your house.