You won't have to worry about fleas after you read about these helpful tips. Find out what they are below!
Fleas will always be with us, so here are a few extra tips for winning the flea battle:
1. Learn the symptoms. The bite may immediately cause a dog to feel extremely itchy. Within 30 minutes of a bite, they may develop a red bump.
2. Become an educated dog owner. Consider these uncomfortable facts from SentinelPet.com:
A) A female flea can lay up to 50 eggs a day.
B) Larvae are repelled by light and burrow into the cracks and crevasses of your home in flooring and upholstery, where they can remain for months.
3. Eliminate fleas in all stages. Use an insect growth regulator to break the flea life cycle — my preference here is Sentinel’s (milbemycin oxime/lufenuron) Flavor Tabs, but your vet can offer recommendations as well.
4. Wash the bites with antiseptic soap, as recommended by your veterinarian, to reduce the risk of infection.
5. Regularly check your dog for fleas. Frequent brushing will help spread natural protective oils over your pet’s coat, reduce shedding, and give you an opportunity to look for fleas.
6. Get rid of stray fleas. If your dog picks up a “hitchhiker” flea while outdoors, use an adulticide medication that kills adult fleas.
7. Exterminate the home. In-home extermination should focus on upholstered furniture, rugs, and carpeting.
8. Avoid problem areas. Keep your pet away from areas known to have flea problems.
9. Use year-round preventive care. Waiting too long to use preventative treatments before flea and tick season comes around could be dangerous for your dog.
10. Groom the yard. Don’t just check your dog for fleas — treat his environment as well.
Taking care of fleas requires some effort but when it's done correctly, you can successfully live a flea free life! Your doggy will thank you!
For more information on flea prevention, visit Dogster.
