How can I get rid of fleas?
Autumn is a beautiful time of year in Michigan with sunny days, cool nights, pumpkins, hayrides, and…fleas! Summer and fall are common seasons for fleas to infect your pets, and thus, invade your house. Ctenocephalides felis, the cat flea, is the most likely culprit if you find a flea on your pets. This flea develops from an egg, to larva, to adult flea over many weeks to months, depending on the current temperature and humidity. Depending on your pets’ sensitivity, one flea bite can result in tremendous itching for weeks and weeks. Therefore, prevention is key! Here are a few tips and tricks to help your animal companions avoid fleas:
- Apply/administer a monthly flea product to prevent flea infestations. Please ask your veterinarian which product he/she recommends for your specific pet.
- NEVER apply dog flea preventives onto your cats. Certain dog flea products can be fatal if used on cats.
- Wash all bedding in hot water on a weekly basis if your pet has fleas.
- Vacuum and dispose of the contents on a weekly basis if your pet has fleas.
- Ensure all dogs and cats in the household are on a monthly flea preventive if a flea outbreak occurs in your house. The indoor only cats can pick up fleas from the dogs who go outside and vice versa.
- Use a monthly flea prevention for at least three months in a row if you notice fleas on your pets.
Remember to consult your veterinarian for additional specific recommendations if fleas are found on your pet.
