Ask the expert

Fleas can be quite a headache, especially during summer months. Fleas are little insects that feed on blood and their bites causes itching on cats, dogs and even humans. Some animals with allergies to these insects can even loose their hair and have skin inflammations or infections. In fact fleas are the leading cause of skin problems in pets and a heavy and prolonged flea infestation can cause anemia and death of the animal.

The female flea will lay up to 30 eggs per day, so it’s advisable to act promptly when you realize that you might have a flea problem. There are topic products that are used monthly or every three months, like Advantage, Frontline Plus, K9Advantix and Revolution, for example. Each product has its own specifications and it should be prescribed by the vet. These products should be also used as prevention methods, since they kill the adult flea before it bites. So, you should apply them before any flea decides to attack your dog. Also as prevention avoid unkempt gardens.

But if you are faced with a flea infestation, it’s not just the dog that needs treatment. The house and yard, if that is the case, should be cleaned as well. The bed and blankets of the dog should be washed with hot water, to kill the eggs; the house must be vacuumed and you might even have to apply some sprays or foggers. Especial attention must be paid to rugs: these should be washed with special products.

For the outdoor environment, after cleaning the dog house you can use sprays and pelleted insecticides. Beware of the toxicity of the product. Always follow the instructions on the label of each product.

Since adult fleas represent only 1% of their entire population, the best products are those that kill not only these but also those that act upon the larvae phase and all the other stages of the flea’s life. If the case is really serious you can get professional help, to make sure that everything is done effectively and in a healthy way.