What to Know About Flea Prevention for Pets

1 Flea Prevention Essentials

A bite from these wingless bloodsuckers itches for days, and if you find one flea, you can bet more are hiding in your carpets, furniture, bedding, and on your pet.

Some dogs are highly sensitive and easily develop flea allergy dermatitis, one of the most common skin diseases in pets. Notably, a single flea bite can plunge a dog into misery through a vicious bite-scratch-lick cycle.

The bigger problem is that fleas transmit diseases to dogs and people. The most common risk is tapeworm, spread when a dog swallows a flea. Tapeworms can also infect humans, especially children who accidentally ingest a flea.

The cat flea, about one-eighth of an inch long and slightly smaller than a sesame seed, is usually brown or black. Heavy infestations cause anemia, especially in puppies.

Flea Basics

There are over 2,200 flea species worldwide. The cat flea is among the most common, and ironically it readily infests dogs too.

Fleas feeding on dogs inject saliva containing antigens and histamine-like substances that cause irritation and itching. Allergic dogs itch all over, lose hair, and develop red, swollen spots. They become restless, constantly scratching, digging, licking, and chewing their skin, a painful vicious cycle.

A female flea lays about 27 eggs a day for up to 50 days, peaking at 40 to 50 per day. Some lay for over 100 days and, in a year-long life, up to 2,000 eggs. Living where it is consistently below 3 degrees C is fortunate, since cat fleas struggle to survive in such cold.

Removing Fleas from Your Dog

Control methods vary with severity, number of dogs, and budget. Fortunately, most commercial flea-control products are highly effective, but always consult your veterinarian before use.

Also address your dog’s activity areas and yard, since effective flea control treats both the pet and the environment.

Wash everything your dog contacts, including the bed and household blankets, at least weekly. Some add apple cider vinegar to the rinse to discourage new fleas; it is worth a try.

Vacuum all carpets and upholstery, then discard the vacuum bag promptly to prevent eggs from hatching inside.

If needed, clear dense vegetation and dog-house areas, since these provide the damp environment fleas favor.