Dog Getting A Flea Powder Treatment
You Can Do This!
All over the country something is happening. It’s getting warmer, Spring has sprung! For those who have endured some of the coldest weather in years, this is good news. Here in Southern California this week we’ve had temperature in the nineties for Pete’s sake. Along with the flowers blooming, trees budding we hear bird songs and…fleas! Now is the time to form a plan and have a strategy to prevent a flea infestation, as they say, an ounce of prevention…
What are fleas?
Fleas are tiny insects measuring around 1/16″. They are parasites that live on the blood of their host where they are found most of the time; in this case your cat or dog, but they also bite humans. There are 2,000 species according to WWW.ASPCA.ORG. They are wingless but can jump amazing distances.
How do I know if we have fleas?
Because fleas are so small you have to be very observant:
- If you see your dog or cat scratching more than is usual, check them for fleas. Fleas like dark warm spots so look at their bellies and bottoms for something that looks like dandruff or black specks.
- Bathing your pet it’s a good time to check for them. Put a white towel under them and look for black specks. Press on the specks and if it turns red, that’s blood and thus, fleas.
- Comb your pet regularly with a special flea comb which has small tines and watch for something that looks like dandruff or you may even see fleas running around in the fur.
How Do you Get Rid of Fleas?
There are various ways and means to do this:
- Foggers - Canisters that have chemicals under pressure. When you release the pressure, a fog then penetrates the air killing fleas and other insects. You have follow very carefully follow the instructions to prevent exposure to parts of your house that would be harmful. People and animals have to vacate during the treatment.
- Flea Powder – Flea killer in powder form. They usually contain boric acid as a primary ingredient. The powder kills topically and the benefit is that fleas thus don’t have the chance to build up immunity. Powders can also be used on carpets to kill fleas hidden there;
- Flea Collars – Collars come in all sizes in order to fit any dogs or cats properly. Be sure to read the instructions about handling them; especially be cautious with small children. If your dog goes swimming be sure to take it off. A wet collar will lose the active ingredients and may irritate the skin.
- Monthly Treatments - For people who don’t like the collars, these measured treatments come in small plastic type vials. They are applied by parting the hair on the shoulder blade and squeezing the liquid out. They can last 3-4 months.
- Dips - Typically used for severe infestation, dips are mixed with water and the pet is either dipped, sprayed and has it sponged on. Again, use caution and follow the instructions.
- Sprays - These are generally used outside in the yard. Pay special attention to places where the dog or cat frequent.
- Natural Remedies – Fresh garlic is supposed to make your pet not so tasty and thus a turn off for fleas, lemon juice mixed with water after steeping for a few hours can be sprayed on, flea traps made with dish soap and water in a container are a few methods.
- Flea Comb – If your pet has fleas you need to be hands on and consistently use a flea comb them out.
- Flea Shampoos – Specially formulated shampoos are both soothing to your pet and also helps kill fleas.
For some dogs and cats flea bites are just annoying, for others they can lead to serious skin irritation and other health problems. Take into consideration that by chewing on themselves as a form of scratching, your pet may then swallow fleas which can cause tapeworms!
By all means enjoy the springtime, go out into the sunshine, just remember to protect your pet from those pesky varmints, you can do it!
Your Best Friend Is Counting On You
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