WHAT CAN FLEAS DO TO MY PET?
- Fleas feed by sucking blood from your pet
- Many pets become sensitised to flea bites which can lead to intense itchiness, severe self-inflicted trauma, hair loss and skin infections
- Fleas are responsible for transmitting tapeworms to our pets
- Severe flea infestations can lead to excessive blood loss (anaemia)
WHAT CAN FLEAS DO TO ME?
Fleas need dog or cat blood to breed. However, they can accidentally bite humans who may also become sensitised to the bites. Sensitised individuals show symptoms varying from a mild rash to severe allergic reactions.
WHERE DO FLEAS LIVE?
The common dog and cat flea lives mainly in the environment and is often only on the animal to feed.
The flea likes a warm humid environment and when conditions are favourable the life cycle is very rapid and can be as short as 1-2 weeks. Most of the life cycle is spent off the animal and therefore it is probably true to say that for every flea on the animal there is up to 200 more in the house environment.
HOW CAN I CONTROL THEM?
It is practically impossible to prevent your pet encountering fleas. Therefore, regular preventative treatments are necessary to control the problem and prevent a build-up within the home.
Treat all the dogs and cats in your household. There are a number of flea treatments available: We recommend Frontline, Advantage, Advocate, Revolution, Nexgard, Bravecto or Seresto (we have found that many supermarket brands simply do not work and can be potentially toxic to your pet).
Fleas are killed by contact – they do not have to bite first.
Both Advocate and Revolution formulation also treat your pet for ear mites. Advocate, Revolution and Nexgard Spectra will all treat for intestinal round worms. Therefore, if these are given monthly as recommended you only have to worm your pet once a year. There is also Frontline spray which can be used on puppies and kittens as young as 3 days old.
FLEA CONTROL IN THE ENVIRONMENT?
Fleas develop in warm, dry places e.g. carpets, bedding and furniture. We recommend Indorex Fogger or Spray which protects your home for up to 12 months. Read the instructions carefully before use.
Fleas breed throughout the year in the Bay of Plenty. It is therefore important to maintain a flea control programme throughout the year.