We all enjoy the Summertime, but as much as we appreciate the warm weather, one character who positively relishes it is the flea. Fleas can survive all year round, but they really flourish in the warm dry weather. For this reason it is essential that we take measures to protect our pets from this blood sucking parasite particularly during the Summer.
Fleas are very durable and adaptable creatures, and unlike many other parasites they do not spend all their time on the host animal. They may leave the host animal and stay in the bedding or general environment from where they can jump onto other animals when the opportunity arises.
Signs of flea infestation
You may recognise the signs of fleas in your pet by their frequent scratching, but not all affected animals scratch excessively. You may see fleas in the coat, but they tend to be quite good at hiding, or you may see flea droppings, which look a bit like coal dust. These dark droppings can be seen in light coloured fur, or in brushings from the coat. If you are suspicious place some of this ‘dust’ on a piece of damp tissue paper, and after a few minutes it will be surrounded by a reddish-brown halo of semi-digested blood.
Some animals can carry a large number of fleas without much scratching, whereas others, particularly those who develop an allergy to fleas, will scratch quite a bit from just a few bites.
Treatment
There are many flea treatments available on the market nowadays. It is a good idea to use a product with a long residual action i.e. that will continue to kill fleas for a particular number of weeks after it has been applied, not just on the day that it is used. Most flea shampoos and many flea powders will fall down on this point. As well as animal treatments, there are also household treatments, to prevent larval development and maturation, for use where a population of fleas has been brought into the home or kennel area by the family pet. The best advice is to contact us at Castle vets on 0§-4640499 to discuss treatment options most suited to your pet or book an appointment by clicking here.
