~Topic of the Month~

Fleas

 
As  fall emerges, one problem we have already started to see is fleas. Eliminating fleas can be a difficult task, since they are extremely prolific, exceptionally hardy and very well adapted for survival.

Fleas are small, brown or black, wingless, rapidly moving insects that infest the hair coat of animals.
The adult flea spends the majority of its life on the pet. It bites the animal and feeds on the blood, its source of food. If the pet is allergic to flea saliva (as many are), the pet may develop flee allergy dermatitis. After the female flea feeds, she mates and begins laying eggs (from several hundred to 2,000). The eggs hatch into larvae, which are small and caterpillar-like and live on the floor, carpet or ground. They feed on debris or feces from the adult fleas. The larvae spin themselves into cocoons (or pupae) and emerge as adults. The flea cycle is then complete and starts all over again. The entire process can take from three weeks to over a year.
To determine if your pet has fleas, part the hair coat in various areas and look at the skin. You may see a flea "jump" or scurry quickly away. Also look for signs of "flea dirt", which is actually flea excrement that looks like little pieces of dirt. If you add a bit of water to the "dirt" on a white paper towel, it will turn reddish in color.
 
General Points in Treatment:
  1. Insecticidal shampoos may reduce animal flea populations during bathing, but there is no residual killing action after the shampoo is rinsed from the coat.
  2. Studies have shown that insecticidal collars cannot be expected to eliminate fleas from dogs and cats that are continuously exposed to the insects.
  3. An excellent topical product (Frontline) that kills and repels fleas, as well as ticks, is available. This product is safe, effective and long lasting (up to 3 months).
   
Treating the home/environment:
  1. Thoroughly vacuum all carpet and rugs and mop non-carpeted areas to remove flea eggs, larvae, pupae and adults. Then dispose of the vacuum cleaner bag. Wash bedding and use a high heat dryer setting (10 minutes) for blankets, quilts, etc.
  2. Use and indoor treatment to control fleas in the carpet and furniture. At Lakeland Veterinary Hospital, we use "KNOCKOUT", a spray that kills fleas and larvae, and leaves a residual hormone in the treated area that continues to control fleas for up to 120 days. A light mist must be applied to all carpeted areas, all porous floors, to all upholstered furniture (including under the cushions) and to all pet bedding. Effort must be made to spray under all furniture.
  3. We have found that flea "bombs" are often less effective because you cannot direct the spray to all affected areas.
   
Treating your pet(s):
  1. We recommend applying Frontline Plus to your pet. Frontline is very safe and effective, and will last for one month on cats and up to three months on dogs. It will also kill ticks for one month. It is also waterproof.
  2. If your pet has secondary problems, such as bacterial infections or allergies, it will need to be examined by a veterinarian to begin an individualized treatment program.
   

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