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Fleas and
ticks not only make a dog uncomfortable, they can also
lead to a host of serious medical problems, including
allergic reactions, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, and
various diseases, plus a dangerous level of blood loss
in extreme cases. This makes it important to take swift
action at the first sign of fleas or ticks.
Bathing
the dog in a flea shampoo will kill these parasites and
soothe the pet’s skin. Flea and tick sprays can also be
used to rid the pet of these parasites. In the days
following the flea bath, a pet should be brushed with a
flea comb to ensure that no parasites are remaining.
Following the shampoo, treat the pet with an anti-itch
spray, lotion or pad to ensure comfort.
Treating
the pet’s coat is only the beginning in the battle
against fleas. Unlike adult fleas, which tend to stay on
the dog’s coat, flea eggs, larvae and pupae will be
found throughout the dog’s environment, this includes in
carpeting, furniture, as well as dog beds and toys.
Eggs, larvae and pupae can also be found in the yard. If
they aren’t eliminated, they will turn into fleas and
the unhappy infestation cycle will start all over again.
Address
this issue by treating your houses and yards with
indoor/outdoor flea products such as room foggers and
lawn sprays. These products will not only eliminate
eggs, larvae and pupae, they will also protect against
re-infestation for about six months.
Of course,
as is always the case in matters of health, prevention
is the best medicine when it comes to fleas.
(See Flea & Tick
Prevention for flea preventatives.)
If the
flea infestation is heavy, or the animal seems listless
or ill, you must seek veterinary help quickly. Flea
infestation is especially dangerous in puppies, so a
young dog with fleas should be taken to the vet's
office.
Flea control
products should never be used on a puppy less than 12
weeks of age without consulting a veterinarian.
ALWAYS follow
manufacturer’s directions carefully when using flea
control products.
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