Fleas on your pet
Fleas are small blood sucking insects with a tough outer shell.
They can jump long distances and easily move from one animal to another. The most common (even on dogs) is the cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis). They are parasites and will feed on your pets blood before quickly reproducing by laying many eggs. Fleas can cause intense itching and irritation, and if your pet is allergic to fleas they can cause significant skin disease.
Dogs and cats pick up fleas from the environment or other infested animals. Flea eggs can also be picked up from bedding, carpets and soil. Eggs can lay dormant for many months.
Flea eggs are laid on the pets body, often falling off into the environment. Larvae hatch out 2-14 days later and will hide in dark places in your home. Larvae then pupate before hatching into adults and the cycle begins again. Fleas reproduce very quickly, so the population can soon get out of control. As well as causing irritation and discomfort for your pet, fleas can also bite humans.
If your pet has fleas you may notice them scratching more, areas of hair loss, or black specks (flea dirt) in the coat, as well as seeing adult fleas in their coat or in the house.
A flea infestation in the home can be difficult to get under control. It is much easier to use a regular preventative flea treatment to stop this happening. There are many preventative flea treatments available, and our staff are always happy to discuss the best treatment for you and your pet. It is important to treat throughout the year, not just through the summer months.
If you do find you have a flea problem, as well as treating your pet it is important to treat the environment as most of the eggs and larvae will be in carpets, bedding etc. Regular vacuuming and washing of pets bedding will help, and we also recommend using a household insecticidal spray.
Does your pet have fleas?
Our staff are always happy to discuss the best flea treatment option for your pet.