Cat, Dog
Quick & Easy Ways To Deal With Fleas
Fleas are a nuisance, there is no other way of describing them. They are tiny little blood-sucking parasites that are very common and can be hard to avoid. They can make your pet uncomfortable, sore and itchy leading to excessive licking or scratching. Which can be one of the first signs your pet has fleas. Cats are good at grooming themselves so this can make it difficult to spot.
Fleas can pose a much greater health risk if not treated quickly. Infestations can cause anaemia due to blood loss and can be fatal, especially for younger or weaker pets.
The best way to deal with fleas is pre-emptively. Flea and tick preventatives kill fleas that come in contact with your pet. Preventing your pet from bringing them home in the first place. There are several options that we provide in-store and online from flea collars to liquid applicants and tablets.
Flea Combs
Flea combs can be used on dogs, cats and other small animals to groom and remove fleas, lice and eggs. It’s the first step to take when fleas are suspected, and they usually come with a flea test paper to help you determine whether your pet has fleas.
Spot on Flea Treatment
Spot On products are applied directly to the skin at the nape of the neck. The treatment is carried around the body through the natural oils in their skin. This form of treatment has become a very popular and effective method of flea control.
Tablets and Injections
Flea medication can also be administered in tablet or injection form and is a good option if you find it difficult to give your pet spot on treatment. It prevents the development of eggs into adulthood, eliminating a potential infestation.
There are a few other short term options available which may not be as reliable as other forms of preventative treatments.
Flea Powders
Flea powders are only active for the few days that they remain on the coat and only kill adult fleas, not the larvae. For these reasons they don’t have a long-term effect, so are not the best choice for full treatment.
Flea Collars
Flea collars have two basic functions, to repel fleas from your pet and to kill existing fleas your pet may have. Some collars can cause irritation to your pet, so this method of treatment should only be used if it’s a high-quality and safe product recommended by your vet.
Flea Shampoo
Flea shampoo is effective for less than a day and will only kill fleas on your pet’s coat at the time of bathing. It doesn’t provide a long term solution and doesn’t prevent fleas from redeveloping.
By using any of these preventatives, you can stop those pesky fleas in their tracks. However, it is important to not just treat your pet when it comes to fleas, but to treat the whole house. Flea eggs, larvae and pupae may have spread across your home ready to re-infect your pets after treatment. This is why it is vital to vacuum a household with pets regularly and pay particular attention to your pet’s favourite spots. Washing your pet’s blankets and bedding frequently will also help to stop the spreading of fleas.
For any more help or advice regarding flea treatment, do pop in to store and ask one of the team.
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