How To Protect Your Pets From Fleas And Ticks

  Fleas are wingless, blood-sucking insects that feed on dog, cats, humans and other species. There are many different types of flea each one specific to the animal that it lives on. The most frequent fleas found in the home are the cat flea and dog flea.

THE FLEA PROBLEM
Fleas and ticks are responsible for a number of diseases in pets and people. Some types of ticks, for example, can transmit the bacteria that cause Lyme disease to animals and humans and some fleas can harbor tapeworm larvae, which grow into adult tapeworms in the intestines of pets or people. Flea bites commonly cause skin irritation and itching and some pets are allergic to flea saliva.

Taking care of your pets responsibly includes protecting them from fleas and ticks. Fleas can be a problem even in the best kept homes and on the cleanest of pets. The best approach to managing fleas is prevention. But if you already have a flea problem, you can control them as long as you treat both your pet and your home. Many products are available to help control fleas and ticks on pets and in their environment. Check with your veterinarian for appropriate treatments.

FLEA TREATMENT AND CONTROL
The objective of treatment is to break the flea life cycle by treating the home, the pets, and the outside environment with insecticide. Before purchasing and applying pesticide products to pets to control fleas and ticks, talk to your veterinarian about the best product to use and how to treat the animal, as well as the environment.

After feeding on your pet's blood the female flea lays eggs which drop into the animal's bedding or favourite resting place. The highest concentration of eggs, larvae and pupae are likely to be in these areas rather than on the animal itself. This means the vast majority of the flea population lives in your yard or home.

Regular cleaning of bedding combined with thorough vacuuming of furniture and floors will help to destroy each stage of the flea's life cycle. Frequently vacuum floors, upholstered furniture, and areas where pets may sleep indoors. Treat animal bedding by boiling, or use animal-safe insecticides or other products recommended by your vet.

When treating the yard, don't forget to treat under bushes and in flower beds. If pets travel in the car, treat car seats and carpets as well.

You should continue to vacuum the house frequently and thoroughly. Throw away the dust bag (vacuum cleaner bags) from your vacuum after each use to prevent any flea eggs and larvae from developing. Don't allow pets to roam and pick up fleas from other animals and keep pets out of hard to clean areas.

PROFESSIONAL FLEA CONTROL
Once fleas are established, eliminating them requires persistence. If home treatments are ineffective, professional extermination may be needed. Further advice on methods of treatment can be obtained from the environmental health officer at your local council, or a commercial pest control company. You can also pay a visit to your veterinarian who will recommend services or products suitable to treat your pet and your home.

About the Author

Copyright Bridget Mwape of Pet Care Supplies UK which offed thousands of products to help you care for your pets.

 Bridget Mwape

More Articles 

ARTHRITIS AND RHEUMATISM IN PETS - John Burns BVMS MRCVS
ARTHRITIS AND RHEUMATISM Arthritis means inflammation/ pain of the joints Rheumatism means pain associated with joints and muscles The two are linked because muscles attach to the bones at or near the joints. When a muscle is tensed it...

Microchipping Pets - Phyllis Wasserman
I can't say enough good things about the wonders of microchipping pets. Recently, there was a stray dog in our neighborhood for several days. Rather than have him brought to the shelter and euthanized, or the poor thing hit by a car or abused by...

Chameleons As Pets - William Wright
Chameleons are appealing in appearance and their mystical ways of changing colors are fascinating. Keeping chameleon as pets could be difficult as compared to other pets as they are not very friendly and they need a lot of extra care. But if you are...

Beware Of The Holiday Goodies That Are Not So Great For Your Pet's Health - Robin Perdue
The holidays mean plenty of fatty treats for most people. Who can resist ... candy, cookies, fudge, egg nog, pumpkin pie, not to mention the home cooked meals and family togetherness? It's part of the spirit of the season. While we may not be...

Why should we get kittens as pets? - Mary Majorda
Kittens are and have always been adorable creatures. Of course, these youngsters are also playful, naughty and mischievous as well. Perhaps that's the reason why people are attracted to them, as they entertain us with their peculiar antics and...

Pets as Fashion Accessories? - Mark Haakonsen
The rich and famous are known for starting all types of trends and one of the latest is using pets for fashion accessories. Famous for nothing Paris Hilton and pop starlet Britney Spears are just a few of the individuals in the limelight...

Dental Home Care for Pets - Milinda Lommer DVM
Dogs and cats get plaque on their teeth just like we do! Plaque is made of proteins (from saliva) and bacteria. If the plaque is not removed every day the bacteria will multiply rapidly and invade the gums around the teeth. Gingivitis, or...

More Issues with Food and Family Pets - JR Rogers
Recently, I went back to discussing food issues in some detail. It is important to understand that we do have ways of helping out pets not only with their diets, but with preventing things from happening long term. Obesity in Pets and Ways to...

A Sense Of Security Provided By Recoverypets.com Pet Tag - Thaddeus Collins
The greatest benefits of ownership is knowing that your property will be there when you need it, but ownership of a pet requires a different type of security measure. Because, pets are living creatures with minds of their own, they have a tendency...

What You Don't Know About Pets - Nati Roberts
Everybody knows someone who owns a pet. This is inevitable. Why exactly do people own pets? Are there benefits to having one? What are the detriments to having a pet? What kind of pet should you look for? The reasons people own pets are as diverse...