Keeping Your Pets Pest-free (Bye Flea-Cia)

Summer is, by far, certainly one of my favorite seasons. The nice and cozy weather makes everyday an ideal day for an outdoor activity. However, using the increasing temperatures comes an influx within the flea population.

Check out our tips on treating your home and pet for fleas and lastly say “Bye Flea-cia!”

First things first. Find the right product.

“Why does my pet still have fleas after providing them with flea treatment?”

We’ve all had the experience. You purchase an inexpensive or generic flea control and never Twenty four hours after administering it, the fleas are back. In this instance, I'd urge you to definitely look at your designated flea treatment, because not each one is equal. The things that work for one pet may not necessarily work for another. It’s recommended to consult together with your veterinarian on the most practical way of treatment for your particular pet.

In my own experience, I do discover that oral medications work best. They are less messy and, since many are flavored and chewable, easier to administer than sticky gel. It’s also more safe to go with medications if you live in a multiple pet household, where the topical application on a single pet can be easily accessible to the other.

Medical Note: There are specific medications that must definitely be used cautiously depending on the medical conditions of your pet. In case your pet suffers from Kidney Disease, Seizures, or Liver Disease, please consult with your veterinarian before beginning any flea control to ensure you’re providing the safest option possible.

However, if you're certain that your products isn't the issue, then I urge you to review your household.

Treat your environment.

Seeing fleas isn't necessarily a sign that the flea treatment isn’t working. But rather, a sign that the pet is in an atmosphere where fleas are currently living.

As most medications can’t prevent fleas from landing in your pet’s skin, seeing them after treating for them is really a clear sign that they’d invaded your environment.

This is one of the most important aspects in eliminating off fleas because when you could be in line with flea control, you will continue to determine fleas in your home should you leave it untreated.

Have no fear though. There is a way to safely treat your home.

For loose materials (sheets, blankets, pillows, etc)

Wash all cloth-like materials in tepid to warm water and soap. While there are lots of flea-busting formulas available, Original Dawn Soap is a superb and safe option to use during these cleaning sessions.

For stationary materials (carpets, rugs, couches, etc)

While you cannot throw those in to the wash, flea-suffocating powder is the greatest solution. This powder, which can be found at any nearby pet shop, is typically non-toxic and functions by suffocating living fleas and their larva. After you’ve treated such areas and allowed the powder to settle, you can then vacuum the area to get rid of the now-dead parasites.
(Make sure to empty your dust-pan after)

You’ll look for a few more recommendations for your apartment-dwelling pet here.

Groom regularly.

“How did the fleas enter into my home?”

There a multitude of ways – so many in fact, that preventing them from entering your home can feel just like a never-ending battle. Frequent visits to the park, walks, play-dates along with other animals – many of these can lead to a parasitic home invasion even if your pet in on the consistent flea control regime. After all, flea control is not a remedy for fleas. Rather, they're preventatives which help your pet’s body ward off parasites.

We all love enjoying the outdoors with our pets, so it’s important that you wash your pet after days to help minimize the quantity of parasites introduced.

Word of caution: Please purchase any and all flea controls with caution.

Not everyone is made up of your pets best interest in your mind. While there are several who swear by their usual generic or natural brands, I’ve seen many of these cause severe allergic and toxicity reactions. If you're uncertain of a brand or kind of product, please consult with your pet’s veterinarian before administering.