We’ve all been there. You come home one day and notice your cat is itching. All of the sudden you spot something … A FLEA! Take these 3 steps if you diagnose your pet with fleas.
Flea infestations can be challenging. Apart from the ick factor, getting rid of the fleas can take time and effort. If adult fleas are spotted on a pet, chances are there are hundreds to thousands of immature life stages in the environment, just waiting to become adults and hop back onto a pet in the future.
Take these 3 steps if you see fleas on your pet:
1. Year-Round Flea and Tick Prevention
Ensure all pets and in-contact mammals are on a veterinarian-approved flea and tick prevention given year-round. This is by far the most important thing to do for pets with flea problems.
Speak with your veterinarian about any medical history your pet(s) may have, as well as lifestyle and any specific preferences (e.g., hard to medicate by mouth). These can be factored into your veterinarian’s decision about which flea control product to prescribe. Most flea preventatives today have a large safety margin for healthy animals, meaning that there is a very low risk for side effects. Feel free to discuss any questions you have about the medications with your veterinarian.
Just because you don’t see fleas on a pet anymore doesn’t mean all the life stages in the environment are gone. Keep all pets on year-round flea prevention.
Commonly prescribed flea prevention products are:
2. Decontaminate the Environment
If you see fleas on your pets, assume that the environment is also contaminated. The most contaminated areas will be where your pets spend the most time. Regularly wash any bedding that can be washed. If possible, throw out sleeping items that can’t be washed (e.g., cat trees) and don’t buy new ones unless all animals are on flea preventatives regularly. Regularly vacuum the household (especially where the pets like to spend time). Flea bombs or professional exterminators may be needed. Professional exterminators may also help you assess the surrounding areas outside the home that may be a source of fleas and require parasite treatment to prevent reinfestation.
3. Prevent Contact with Rodents and Wildlife
Fleas don’t just feed on dogs and cats. Rodents and mammalian wildlife can also be infested. Take measures to prevent wildlife and rodents from entering the home. This could include making sure all countertops and floors are cleaned of food that could attract animals; using tight seals on windows and doors; and using metal screens over the open ends of plumbing and ventilation pipes to prevent entry into the home. Use humane traps or hire professional services for unwanted rodents or other wildlife in the home.