March 13, 2012
Posted in Flea & Tick Preventatives

Fleas can be a serious problem that dogs can easily get if they aren't on flea and tick preventative pet drugs like Frontline Plus or Comfortis. These pesky parasites are typically found in the environment – 95 percent of the flea population lives as eggs, larve and pupae in the grass. These critters are then able to hitch a ride on dogs or wild animals that pass by. Once they attach to an animal they multiply, covering not only your dog, but your home as well.

It may be hard to realize your pet has fleas until it has a full blown infestation or if it shows skin irritation due to an allergy. Dogs that are allergic to fleas won't get better until all of the parasites are gone, so it's important to stay on top of treatments. Once you find fleas, you may want to start by giving the dog a bath with pet shampoo like Excel Hyrdocortisone Shampoo with Aloe Vera that will help to relieve the itching caused by the flea bites. You should then call the vet to either start the dog on preventative medication or to get it back on track and free of fleas.

Although your dog may now be free flea, it doesn't mean your home is. Those same eggs, larve and pupae that lived in the grass may now be residing in your carpets and furniture. This may be unpleasant, but there are ways to get rid of fleas once and for all. A good way to kill off fleas in your home is to get pet products like the Virbac Knockout Fogger. This fogger works to kill fleas and eggs for up to seven months and can treat up to 6,000 cubic feet in your home. Make sure to keep your pets and family out of the home for at least two hours after fogging. Another way to treat fleas in your carpet or on your upholstery is to use flea repellents like Bio Spot Carpet Powder. Sprinkle the powder, which gives off a fresh citrus scent, on your carpets and keep it in place for 24 hours. It may be helpful to set up a Mission Aztec
Freestanding Pet Gate to keep the pets and kids out of the room for the allotted time. Once 24 hours has passed, vacuum the rugs thoroughly to kill fleas of all stages for up to 12 months. 

Related posts:

1. How To Effectively Control Cat Fleas
2. When your puppy gets fleas
3. Best ways to ward off fleas
4. How fleas can affect your feline
5. Cat Fleas: Treatment Options