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Fleas are those nasty little insects that periodically
infect our cats, dogs and homes. Fleas feed on the blood
of our pets. They can irritate their skin not only from
the bite and skin infections, but also some pets are
allergic to fleas.
Fleas are the most common cause of skin problems in
dogs and cats. If you notice your dog scratching and
chewing the back half of its body, check for fleas around
the base of the tail, the back side of the hind legs
or the dogs stomach.
No matter how clean our homes are, our dogs can encounter
fleas on their daily excursions outside. They then bring
this insect home on their fur and the cycle of infestation
starts. The adult flea lays eggs which drop off the
dog all over the house: in the pets bed, on couches,
in the carpet, around the baseboards, practically anywhere
your dog is allowed to roam in the house and car. These
eggs hatch, become larvae, and develop into cocoons
where they develop into adult fleas, and the cycle begins
again.
There are many over the counter preparations which
can kill the flea, but do nothing to stop the cycle.
Because there are still eggs, larvae and cocoons around
the pets living environment. Through your veterinarian
you can obtain either a topical or oral preparation.
One method kills the fleas before they lay the eggs
and the other kills the eggs that have been laid on
your pet. Both are equally safe and harmless to the
pet and its family. Both methods require monthly dosages
of medication on a permanent basis to prevent re-infestation.
Your veterinarian will prescribe the best medication
for your particular pet and the dosage will be according
to your pets weight. As your pet grows, the dosage will
change. Not only will your pet and home be flea-free,
but the chances for your pet being infected with tapeworms
will also decrease.
Consult your veterinarian as soon as possible to start
a monthly routine to save your pet the irritations caused
by fleas.
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Reprinted with permission by Terrie Simpson.
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