Fleas
The build up this year has produced fleas in abundance. Many people whose dog or cat has never been bothered by fleas before are now being attacked by hordes of them. Those in the centre are lucky though, because fleas don’t survive there.
One adult flea can lay 2000 eggs so their potential for a population explosion when conditions are right is obvious, and for every flea you see on your pet there are masses more hiding in your house or yard.
Fleas can be quite irritating and so usually your pet will be scratching a lot although this can vary between animals. Some dogs and cats can cope with huge flea burdens with relatively little bother but others will rip their skin apart for one or two fleas. Scratching results in hair loss and skin damage.
It’s not always easy to tell if your pet has fleas. Fleas are quite small and very fast and can quickly disappear by running away through the fur or making one of their extraordinary leaps into the air.
If you think your pet has fleas then the best place to look for them is where fleas like to hang out (Under the tail, rump, and face) or where the coat is thinner (the belly) to allow a better look.
There is now a huge arsenal of flea control products to choose from. There are tablets, powders, sprays, spot ons, shampoos, rinses and collars. So how do you choose what to use.
Ninety-five percent of fleas are not on your pet but in the environment and can survive there for up to six months, so using something temporary like a wash or powder is unlikely to provide much control. Something that targets several different flea lives stages, and for a sustained period of time, is more likely to achieve success. Several products do both these things.
It is important to treat all cats and dogs in the household and to keep treating your pet to prevent re-infestation even once the fleas are under control. Environmental control is also important.
Your vet is the best person to advise you on what’s best for your situation.