Fleas are little blood suckers that can cause problems not only for your pet, but for you and your home as well. Hot spots, dermatitis, tapeworm and anemia are some of the risks a pet faces when they are infested with fleas. An adult female flea can lay up to 40 eggs per day and once they are in your home, eradicating them can be a tedious proposition. Your best bet is to prevent your pet from getting them in the first place.
How do you know if your pet has fleas? Itching and scratching, of course—but you can also see evidence of fleas if you lift your pet’s fur and find tiny black specks called “flea dirt”, which are really flea feces. Were you to wet some of these specks, they will turn red because they’re made of your pet’s blood.
Dogs and cats can share the same fleas and these pests can travel from one animal to another, so it’s important that all the pets in your household are on a flea preventive. Successful flea control will include treating both your pets, their living areas, and your household.
Your Veterinary Associates veterinarian can recommend environmental flea treatments and preventives that work for your pet and your budget. Call us for more information or to schedule an appointment for your pet: (304) 327-8554.