My dog has fleas. That one statement is enough to make any visitor to my house run back down the walk to their car.
If you own a pet it's one of those unwritten facts that they will, at one time or another, have fleas. One of the not-so-fun jobs of pet ownership is dealing with an infestation or working to avoid one.
To cope effectively with fleas you should have an understanding of their habits and life cycles. I realize that doesn't sound like fun, sitting-in-front-of-the-fire reading material, but knowing what you're up against is winning half the battle before it starts. So here's the low down on fleas.
Adult flea - lives on the host animal (dog or cat), where the female lays her eggs.
Egg - flea eggs are laid on the animal but fall off into the bedding, carpeting, and elsewhere in the animal's home and hatch into larvae within a few days (depending on heat & humidity).
Larva - flea larvae feed on organic material in the environment and on the droppings from adult fleas. I know it's gross.
As the larvae feed on adult flea droppings, they are found in highest numbers in areas where flea-infested animals spend much of their time.
Pupa - after 5-11 days, the larvae produce a cocoon in which they complete their development. During this stage of their life cycle, fleas are resistant to flea sprays, shampoos, medications,etc.
In ideal conditions, adult fleas hatch from their cocoon in as little as 5 days, although they can live in the cocoon for up to 5 months.
Hatching is brought on by vibration, physical pressure, heat, and air; in other words, the your dog walks in the room, sits down and BAMM.
After hatching, the adult flea finds an animal and within 2 days the female flea begins producing eggs. Fleas can continue to produce eggs for up to 100 days and believe it or not, a single flea can produce thousands of eggs.
I know the whole concept of fleas and their life cycle is gross and personally if I wasn't confronted with our three dogs in constant agony looking at me with those big, sad eyes .. well I'd probably ignore the whole flea thing.
What you do now that you're armed with all this terrific flea knowledge is:
1. Control the fleas on your pet - keep them groomed and use shampoos made for flea control. There are flea medicines that we use in my house. Personally, I prefer "Frontline" because it is a gel and I just rub a little dab at the nape of their neck (do dogs have a nape?) and the fleas are ousted for thirty days or so. You can also get pills like "Program" that control the fleas by sterilizing any female flea that bites your dog.
2. Keep the pet bedding flea-free. This is probably what I had the most trouble with because I have three dogs and they don't sleep in actual beds. But, if you can keep the fleas off the bedding, blankets, carpeting or whatever area they stake-out as their own space, your battle is much easier. Some people even studied fleas and they decided that only about 5% of the adult flea population actually live on your dog. That means the other 95% plus are living either outdoors or in the bedding, carpeting and such.
Don't give up. If you can keep the fleas off your pet or at least under control AND if you are vigilant with the whole bedding issue then fleas won't control your life or that of your dog.
The author of this article, Joanne Robbins is an internet publisher of many sites including http://www.jrsbigdog.com where you can find more information about fleas, flea control, selecting the proper pet for your household plus additional health topics. Also read her Blog at http://www.jrsbigdog.com
Has your pet recently been coughing, eating less, or being... Read More
A well-train dog usually leads a happier and healthier life... Read More
If your cat has recently decided not to use the... Read More
Dogs are creatures of habit; and once they develop a... Read More
This is an old saying that many of us have... Read More
Dog crate training is one of the most effective ways... Read More
You know that cats should always have a supply of... Read More
The groups of fishes commonly referred to as Cichlids, comprise... Read More
When selecting the best dry food for your dog, why... Read More
Making our lives better includes protecting our families, and also... Read More
General Info.Brine shrimps, or artemia, are a zooplankton used mainly... Read More
Your poor pooch is scratching himself all over. Plus, you... Read More
Why does one breed appeal to a person over another?... Read More
Reading a pet food label, how difficult can it be?... Read More
Ok, so everyone who stays on top of the show... Read More
It is always sad when a beloved animal family member... Read More
So you just loved that sweet little puppy that you... Read More
Distemper: Spotting This Dog Killer Before it's Too LateCanine distemper... Read More
Our dogs are now, more than ever, a very important... Read More
So you have a mature pair of discus fish that... Read More
Betta fish, also called Siamese fighting fish are one of... Read More
I am a happy owner of two rat terriers. They... Read More
Tired of cleaning the cat box? Here are some tips... Read More
Dog clicker training is so much fun for both dogs... Read More
Introducing your puppy to the crate should be an easy... Read More
Let's face it ? Fido and Fluffy are an important... Read More
Losing your cat is a worrying experience, use these 'How... Read More
Your local grocery store is chock full of food and... Read More
Do you make a lot of trips to the vet's... Read More
Yes! We love our wonderful and dear Pooches! We care... Read More
Stingrays will eat a wide variety of foods. Maintaining a... Read More
To teach a dog to jump, with your right hand... Read More
Do you have at least one framed photo of your... Read More
Here are 5 things to do to put the odds... Read More
According to recent statistics, an astounding 65% of all U.S.... Read More
Grocery Stores could use some larger Dog Food Isles. Not... Read More
What is Canine Hip Dysplasia?Canine Hip Dysplasia (CHD) is a... Read More
A breed of dog called a Boxer is very family-oriented... Read More
The 4th Of 6 Keys To Building A Life Long... Read More
Kittens communicate in a very distinct way. Did you know... Read More
HistoryThroughout the US and in many parts of the world,... Read More
How many times have I hear fellow dog owners say,... Read More
So, you've got yourself a pregnant cat.Was it a stray... Read More
Is your dog up to dirty no good again? Did... Read More
Your dog's health is a very important part of overall... Read More
Some people have horses they don't dare tie. Why? Because... Read More
Many pet owners don't like using a leash, for a... Read More
You know that cats should always have a supply of... Read More
Even if you haven't had a run-in involving your pet... Read More
Contributed with the help of Karen L Overall of the... Read More
Pet |