Fleas are the most common parasites that infest dogs and cats. Along with ticks and worms, they are something that pet owners need to take preventive action against. Fleas don’t just cause those irritating bites, but in some pets, they can also cause allergic reactions that can be immensely unpleasant for the animal.
Fleas, cannot live long without a host. Therefore, treating your pets to kill off the fleas should effectively get rid of the fleas in your home. Here is what you need to know to keep your dog free from fleas:
When Are Fleas Most Active?
Fleas prefer a warm climate with high humidity. This is why they are common only in some parts of the country and they are mainly a problem in the summer. However, in humid and warm countries, fleas can be a year round problem. Their favorite temperature range is around 65-80 degrees. Therefore, if you live in a region that witnesses this temperature range, then you should be more vigilant and look out for early signs of fleas.
How Do Fleas Spread?
Fleas can live on all types of mammal hosts. This means they can be passed on from your dog to cats or other pet mammals such as rabbits. Fleas can even live on humans. However, because humans have much fewer hair fleas often consider us as unfavorable breeding grounds.
Fleas do not have wings, but they have a pair of extremely legs and they can jump long distances. This means your dog doesn’t necessarily need to come in contact directly with a fleas infested animal to get infested. Dogs can just as easily pick up fleas from the environment such the dog park or a hiking route. This makes it almost impossible to stop fleas from entering your pet’s fur when they are outside. Pets animals that are restricted indoors may have a better chance preventing infestation.
How Can I Prevent or Treat Fleas?
The best way to treat or prevent fleas is with a spot-on treatment like Frontline for Dogs. These have a lot of benefits. For example, they are easy to administer making them a great choice for a pet who is not keen on taking medicated baths or show great reluctance to swallow tablets. All you need to do is apply a little drop on the back of your dog or cat’s neck. It takes around 12 hours to work, but the medicine kills all fleas, eggs, and larvae. The medication stays active for about a month, so they work great as preventives.
Fleas are a pain, both for you and your pets. However, they can be easily eradicated with modern spot-on treatments. Don’t allow pets into your home, your pets will thank you for it.