Flea Control

Dogs

When a dog shows signs of irritation it is usually best to check for fleas. Do this by checking at the base of the tail and around the neck. Sometimes you will find the odd flea but mainly you will find flea excrement. This is black and half moon shaped. Gather particles and place on some white paper then moisten the particles. If the debris is becomes tinged with red, your dog has fleas, flea excrement consists mainly of blood. Well if you have fleas you must get rid of them; you need a long lasting treatment to kill off the adult fleas on the animal and in the house. Bedding should be thoroughly washed or if you can manage it replaced. Ask you vet for the most suitable treatments.

Cats

Cats are more difficult because the cat flea carries the larval stage of tapeworm and can become infested if they swallow the fleas during grooming. Some cats can develop and allergy to flea bites which can cause them to develop skin disease due to excessive scratching. Kittens can become anaemic if adult fleas feed on their blood too much, and finally cat fleas attack people too usually around the ankles.

Has your cat got fleas? Use a fine toothcomb to groom your cat on a light coloured surface if you catch a flea or see the same half moon excrement, place the gathered particles on some white paper, moisten the particles. If the debris is becomes tinged with red then unfortunately your cat has fleas, excrement from fleas consists mainly of blood.

Be prepared if you have a heavy infestation getting rid of cat fleas is a lengthy, time consuming and expensive business. However with the products on the market now, spotted early flea infestation can be dealt with quickly and effectively. Go to your vets and make sure you get the right treatment for all flea stages for your cat and your home.

Please take care as some flea control products contain harmful insecticides, so always consult your vet.

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