Treat Fleas and Ticks

When you have pets that live both indoors and outdoors, you run the risk of fleas. Fleas can take hold quickly so its important to check your dog for fleas and ticks when them come into the house. Summertime seems to be flea time. If you live near a body of water you may have a large flea infestation as they like warm moist places. Fleas can be found in many places. Before it spreads into the home take measure to prevent this and treat it quickly.

       Fleas don't have to be a fact of life for dogs. Our dogs take medication all year long to prevent flea and tick infestations and our dogs have never have fleas. If they had fleas it went unnoticed. Fleas are small, so they can jump from puppy to another surface like the couch and then to you. So far we have no such problems. Advantix, Frontline and Advantage are only some of the products that claim effectiveness of their product to be up to 98% - 100%in removing fleas. Most of these products work the same or similar ways in breaking the fleas life cycle.

      Fleas bite - hard. For most puppies, the bites are irritating and cause scratching. For some puppies, the bites cause flea bite dermatitis. This condition is miserable for puppy. The bites result in a severe allergic reaction that can lead to other health issues. Severe, untreated flea infestation in newborn puppies can cause severe anemia or death.

       Once fleas have infested your puppy, they can be the difficult to get rid of them. Request you vets advice on how to best treat the flea problem. Veterinarians may have medication for fleas that are highly effective and some have products to treat your home if the infestation has gone that far.

        There are over the counter products available to treat flea infestations and its important to read and follow the instructions carefully. These over the counter medications come in different forms such as flea collars and liquid medication that is applied to the dogs skin between the shoulder blades. Over the counter flea medication given to a puppy under 7 weeks,  of age can cause death. Products recommended for dogs should not be used to treat fleas in cats.

      Flea products like growth regulators and pesticides attack the flea eggs and the adult insect, respectively. Growth regulators take a few weeks to work, but produce non-viable egg offspring from the adult fleas. Killing the adult insects doesn’t guarantee that the eggs will die as well.

     Flea combs can be helpful. Combing puppy’s fur once or twice a week can rid him of harmful fleas. Comb your dog when he comes in from outdoors before he has a chance to climb up on furniture.

     Cleaning all areas where the puppy has been the during the infestation is extremely important.Once the medication is effective routine checking and cleaning the puppies area will help in preventing any further flea problems. This includes puppy’s bed, his blanket, his crate, and his toys. Vacuuming the rugs and the furniture keeps fleas away from other household members.

      Use the medication according to the schedule printed on the package and with your vets advice. Most of the products require re-application once a month. Prevention is the best medication to get rid of fleas.Fleas are a nuisance. They can love puppy to an irritating distraction. Protect puppy as best you can through routine cleaning, combing and visits to the vet.