My Pet Has Fleas! How Do I Get Rid of Them?

Warm temperatures are on the rise, and creatures big and small are taking advantage of the longer, steamier days. Fleas are definitely part of this increased activity. While they can be active all year round, their numbers increase exponentially during the spring and summer. A single flea can live up to 100 days and produce hundreds of offspring that also reproduce in time. 

Finding their ways from wild animals onto our pets, fleas impact people and our homes. Luckily, if your pet has fleas, Sunrise Boulevard Animal Hospital has effective ways to help them.

The Path to Wellness

Our team recommends that pets receive protection from fleas all year long. Maintaining their parasite prevention is part of their wellness plan, and aims to keep them free from infestations and disease. In addition to keeping them safe and healthy, you and your family members have a better chance of protection against fleas, too. 

Stuff of Nightmares

If your pet has fleas, they are not alone. In fact, it is one of the most common reasons that animals are examined and evaluated by vets every year. The important thing to remember is to act quickly. Waiting to see if the problem will solve itself is never the way through an infestation, and can cause major health problems. 

Your Pet Has Fleas

Pets that receive intermittent or incomplete parasite prevention medication are vulnerable to fleas (and other terrible parasites, like heartworm-carrying mosquitos). 

When a pet has fleas they may scratch at their skin endlessly, causing redness, swelling, bleeding and possibly secondary infections. Many pets are allergic to flea saliva and suffer terrible skin reactions. Furthermore, fleas can transmit tapeworms if your pet eats them. 

Because it can be costly to get rid of fleas, prevention is the priority. 

Beyond Medication

If your pet has fleas, there are several strategies to reduce their reactions and manage a potential infestation in your household. 

• First, keep a close eye on your pet’s skin and coat every day. You may not necessarily see a flea, but look for flea dirt (poop) between hair follicles. 
• Wash your pet’s bedding in hot water. 
• Vacuum all over the house, including under furniture and behind curtains. Empty the canister promptly. 
• Wash hardwood or tile floors, and all surfaces. 
• You should always use pet-safe products, but to be on the safe side, allow all surfaces to dry before your pet is allowed to walk on them.

Outside and Around

You cannot control your neighborhood or other animals your pet may come into contact with. However, you can treat your yard with a pet-safe yard spray. There are also many professionals that safely do the work for you. It’s always important to re-treat the outdoor space to take out fleas that hatched between applications. 

An Ounce of Flea Prevention

Anyone that has dealt with fleas can affirm that the process can be infuriating and expensive. If your pet has fleas, please call us at 916-726-2334. We can help reduce your pet’s reaction to these blood-sucking parasites, and help you eliminate them at home. Sunrise Boulevard Animal Hospital is always here for you.