Flea Facts and Treatments for your Pets

Fleas are very frustrating for both humans and pets. Fleas are known to be found mainly on puppies. Below are some interesting facts on fleas and some tips on how to get rid of them.
Even though fleas cannot fly they can jump up to 2 feet. Fleas can live from 2 weeks to 1 year. The temperature that fleas are most lively in is 65 to 80 degrees. The most common areas to find fleas on a puppy are their neck, torso, and the base of their tale. Here are a few signs that your puppy has fleas:

• Biting at skin and excessive scratching
• Flea eggs (white and small)
• Hair loss
• Scabs and hot spots
• Gums looking pale
• They have tapeworms
• Droppings also known as flea dirt

There are several types of flea control products on the market. It may get confusing on what is the best type of product to use. If you are unsure ask an expert at the store for help. Here are some different types of products you can choose from:

Topicals: 

• If you are worried about ticks also make sure to read the bottle and choose the one that says it kills both fleas and ticks.
• Make sure to follow the exact directions on the bottle
• Keep other pets and kids away from your pet until the topical has had time to dry.

Collars: 

• The collar must fit for the product to work correctly. Make sure that you can fit 2 fingers in between the collar and the neck. Cut off the excess once it is fitted.
• If you put the excess in your vacuum it will kill any fleas, you pick up.
• If the collar gets wet, it will lose any effect it has. Replace the collar.
• Most collars only treat the immediate area.

Shampoos:

• Apply shampoo just like you normally would.
• It is recommended to use a flea treatment with the shampoo because once you rinse off the shampoo there is no flea protection left on the puppy.

Oral:

• There are different types of oral treatments for both short and long term. Speak to your vet to see what side effects there are before using any oral treatments.

Sprays:

• Flea sprays can be applied directly to the puppy. You can also spray your furniture, carpet, and bed.
• Use all sprays in a well-ventilated area. Open windows if the weather permits.
• Choose a spray that has adulticide and insect growth regulator for the best result.
• If you have children it is best to wait for them to not be in the house for awhile so the spray does not bother them and it has a chance to settle.

Dips and Rinses:

• Be careful to not get the flea dip or rinse in the puppy’s eyes or ears.
• Use the dip and rinse in a well-ventilated area.

Combs:

• For best results choose a comb that has narrow space between the teeth. This will help the fleas from getting through.
• If you have the option to comb your pet outside it is recommended. Since fleas jump it is better for them to not jump onto your furniture or in your rug. If you cannot do this outside your bathroom would be the best spot in the house for the same reasons above.

 Think about the demeanor of your pet before you choose a product for fleas. Some options will be better then others. An example is: If you know your pet absolutly does not like water the dip and rinse should not be your first option to deflea your pet. It is important to keep up with the flea treaments, as it is very easy to be right back where you started if you skip treatments. 

The Groomy Team - We hope these tips are helpful for you and your pet!