Flea Fiasco

Flea Fiasco.....

Fleas are flourishing this year in Loudoun County.  The dramatic increase in flea infestations this year has left our patients itchy and their families wondering how to evict these unwanted visitors in their homes.  Fortunately we have some very effective weapons against fleas.

These parasites cause many problems for pets and their owners. Their blood-sucking bites leave a raised itchy spot on the skin. In very sensitive animals, one flea bite can make them itchy for up to two weeks.  A severe flea infestation can lead to life-threatening anemia, especially in very young, very old, or debilitated pets. When pets lick fleas off their skin in an effort to stop the itching, they can ingest a tapeworm along with the flea.

Fleas have several stages in their life cycle. When you see a live flea on your pet, remember that he may be a single representative of a large population. Eggs, larvae and pupae can live in the environment for months, then mature into their recognizable form as black specks jumping and crawling on your pet when conditions are just right.

Basic rules of flea control are simple:

Use a topical flea preventive such as Frontline Plus or Vectra 3D every month, all year. 
These two products differ from some of the over-the-counter products because they contain ingredients that both sterilize and kill fleas.  Use them year-round because, although the weather outside varies, inside the house is always their ideal temperature.

Treat every animal in the house, including indoor cats.
When fleas hitch a brief ride into the house on the Frontline-treated dog, they will quickly find a more hospitable place to live on any untreated cats.

Learn to differentiate dirt from flea dirt.
When your pet’s skin is covered in black specks of dirt, do the flea dirt test. Wipe some of the dirt away with a moist white paper towel. If the black dirt leaves a pinkish red tinge on the paper towel, it is actually flea feces (digested blood) and evidence that your pet has some unwanted visitors.

If you find fleas, act fast with some or all of these steps.
Make sure all pets are treated with appropriate preventives.
Consider using Capstar, a pill that kills all the fleas on an animal for 24 hours
Wash all bedding in hot water two times.
Vacuum the house and throw the bag away outside each day.
Use a spray insecticide or contact a professional exterminator.

Please notify AMC if you know your pet has fleas prior to any clinic visits so that we can help you treat them and keep our clinic flea-free.  Our staff is always available to provide suggestions and advice about flea control.