As a pet owner, fleas are one of the things you dread the most. While it’s a pain to deal with, it’s best to act fast because a pet infested with fleas can lead to serious problems if not property dealt with. To help you combat these tiny terrors we’ve listed the top four steps you can take in dealing with and managing fleas.
Choosing the right flea treatment for your cat or dog
There are many different types of flea treatments available but how do you know which is the best one to choose? We’ve broken down four types of treatments that are available and how they work, so that you can decide what will work best for your pets’ needs.
Topical Treatments
Topical treatments are to be applied directly to your pet’s skin as the treatment becomes absorbed into their gland system that distributes body oils. These oils work to spread the treatment over your pets body over the course of one to six months, depending on your product choice. What makes topical treatments great is that they’re waterproof, so you can still bathe your pet during the course of the treatment. However, you must remember that after the initial application you cannot get your pet wet, as time is needed for the treatment to set in.
Collars
Flea collars are easy to use if your pet is accustomed to wearing a collar. By dispersing a chemical over your pet’s body, it works to repel fleas and provide ongoing protection. It is also worth keeping in mind that some collars can often carry a strong odour because of the chemicals and some pets may find them irritating, meaning you may have to test a few to find one suitable. To help save you time, we have odourless flea collars available for both cats and dogs on our Vet Post website here.
Oral tablets
There are several types of oral treatments available offering either short or long-term relief. Oral tablets focused on providing short-term relief will last around 24 hours, while long-term solutions can last up to 3 months. To find out what type of oral tablet is best, you should consult your vet, as there may be some medications that can preclude them from taking oral flea medication.
Shampoos
Shampoos are easy to use and can generally kill fleas on contact. This treatment can last up to 14 days depending on the brand and it is advised to check the warning and instructions label on the bottle.
Home treatments
If you’re worried about fleas in your home, there are a number of powders, sprays and foggers on the market that can be used to spot treat particular areas. Before investing in home spot treatments, it’s best to consult your options with your local vet to make sure that the product you decide on is correct and safe.
We’ve also created a Flea Treatment Guide below that can help you choose the best treatments available on Vet Post!
Provide regular flea treatment for your pets
When Summer rolls around you may notice an increase in fleas as it’s very common for them to thrive in warmer temperatures. However, fleas can also survive indoors during the colder months, which is why it’s recommended to take preventive measures regularly. While the chances of your pet catching fleas in winter is considerably lower than summer, flea eggs can live year-round in protected areas such as crawl spaces and porches, which means your pet can still be exposed if not protected. Safe-guarding your pet frequently is a lot easier and safer to deal with than a pet who is suffering from an infestation.
Always check the ingredients and warning labels – is your pet allergic to anything?
Before purchasing, always check the ingredients in case it contains something that your pet is allergic to. If you’re looking for a “natural” product always be aware of the ingredients and familiarise yourself with specific chemicals you’re looking to avoid. Reading any warning signs on a product is also very important as you don’t want to misuse the treatment and cause harm to your pet or even yourself. You should also consult your vet if your pet has a medical condition or is on any kind of medical treatment before purchasing flea treatments. This is to ensure that the treatment you choose is suitable to their needs.
Get regular check-ups from your Vet
When you take your pet into the vet, they will be examined for any signs of parasite problems, which will help ensure that the preventive treatment and measures you are taking are effectively working. Should any problems arise, you will receive the best advice and treatment options to combat. Having them routinely checked by a vet ensures that your pets health and wellbeing is in tip-top shape.
If you’re having trouble with fleas hanging around your pet, it is always best to consult your local vet as they will provide the right information and treatment. If you have any questions or concerns about managing and preventing fleas, you can contact Vet Post’s Head Vet Rebecca Penman here