Spring has sprung, and unfortunately, so have the fleas.
By Dr. Hannah Sullivan
Fleas are one of the most common causes of itchiness in our pets. They are small, wingless parasites that feed on blood by biting into our pet’s skin. While the adult flea spends most of its life living inside your pet’s fur, flea eggs and pupae can be found throughout the pet’s environment, including rugs, bedding, furniture, and carpets. Just one adult flea can produce up to 2,000 eggs in its lifetime, quickly creating a cycle of itchy, irritated skin for our beloved furry friends!
Even indoor pets, cats and small dogs can be affected by fleas. Adult fleas often hitch a ride into our homes on other pets or even our clothes and shoes and enter through small gaps or openings.
Signs that your pets may have an issue with fleas include excessive scratching or chewing, hair loss, scabbing and flea dirt, or dark “grains of sand” in your pet’s coat. These symptoms are frequently most noticeable on your pets back, right over the base of the tail. In extreme cases, flea infestations can lead to blood loss, resulting in pale gums and extreme tiredness. It is very important that your pet is evaluated by your veterinarian if this occurs.
How can you be sure your pet is protected from fleas? The best defense is to keep them on a consistent flea preventative. There are many safe and effective products available from monthly topical treatments to oral chews to yearly injections administered by your veterinarian. These products work by either repelling the bugs off your pet’s body, preventing production of flea eggs, or killing on contact or after biting.
Myth: pets only need to be on flea prevention when the weather is warm. Fact: fleas can still thrive through the winter in our warm homes! Keep your pets flea-free with year-round prevention! If you have questions about flea prevention, or notice changes in your pet’s skin, your veterinarian is always a great resource.
Dr. Hannah Sullivan is a veterinarian at Kent Farms Animal Hospital.