Preventing Fleas
November 1, 2008 by Paris and John
Filed under Tips
Got fleas? Fall is a bad time for fleas and is preventing them is a lot easier than getting rid of the little pests. Dr. Susan Nelson, veterinarian and assistant professor of clinical sciences at Kansas State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, has some tips on preventing fleas on your dog:
Use Preventative. It’s easier to prevent fleas rather than get rid of them! “Pet owners need to be cautious about fleas on both indoor and outdoor pets and keep their pets on year-round flea preventives,” says Nelson. Nelson recommends treating your pets with high quality topical flea products, such as Advantage, Frontline or Revolution, on a regular basis as part of a preventative program. Be sure to read and follow the instructions on these products carefully, and know the weight of your pet to ensure proper dosage of the treatment. She warns that products like flea collars and flea shampoos are not as effective for preventing flea problems.
Know that Guests Can Mean Fleas. Think you’re taking all the precautions you need with your dog? Think again. “If you move into a house or apartment where the previous owners had pets with fleas, they can then infest your pet. Also, if someone brings their pet over to visit and that pet has fleas, they can leave them for your pet to pick up,” she said.
If You Have Fleas. Nelson says dog lovers need to clean and vacuum their carpets frequently to pick up any flea eggs or pupa cases. Immediately toss that vacuum bag because fleas can continue to develop inside the bag. After vacuuming, Nelson said a good quality indoor flea spray that is effective for both juvenile and adult flea stages should be applied to the home. You may need several applications depending on the severity of the infestation. The vet also recommends that your dog’s bedding, throw rugs and blankets should also be washed regularly.
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