How To Control Fleas Before They Take Control of Your Pet & Your Home

Flea Biology

There are 3 phases in the life cycle of a flea:

Adult fleas- they lay eggs on pets, sometimes up to 50 eggs per day and fall wherever your pet goes.

Larvae- This stage is what hatches from the adult eggs

Pupae- The final stage that comes from the larvae They are protected by a cocoon and are very hard to eliminate. When the pupae emerge from the cocoon thaey are fully formed adult fleas. The cycle continues.

HOW FLEAS AFFECT YOUR PETS: 1. Tapeworm- fleas can transmit tapeworm to your pets. It is an unsightly parsite that can be transmitted to your family, especially children.

2. Flea allergy dermatitis (FAD)- when fleas bite your cat or dog they release saliva at the bite. This causes an allergic reaction that presents as either severe itching and redness or the loss of hair or skin.Treatment is anti-inflammatory drugs or antibiotics.

3. Anemia- in rare cases, pets can develop anemia from multiple flea bites. If you suspect this, see your vet immediately.

PREVENTION & TREATMENT: The first line of defense is to treat your pet with a monthly flea product (i.e. Program, Frontline, Revolution, or flea shampoo). Consult your veterinarian as to what is best.

It is also important to treat your pet's environment- indoors and outdoors:

Indoors: wash all rugs & bedding. Vacuum entire house, including cushions and under furniture. Apply insecticide to your home every 2 weeks until the problem resolves. Remember: do not leave your pet indoors while you are using insecticide.

Outdoors: Treat all areas, where your pet spends time, with a professional flea control product. Cut all foliage that inhibits sunlight into your yard (sunlight interrupts the flea life cycle). Repeat treatment at regular intervals.