Flea Control for your Dogs
How common are fleas?
Fleas are a very common problem in dogs, especially during the
spring and summer months. In addition to being an annoyance, flea
bites can cause a condition known as "flea allergy dermatitis ", in
which the saliva from the flea acts as an allergen and causes a severe
dermatitis, requiring medical therapy. Fleas also act as vectors
(carriers) of tapeworms, an intestinal parasite. Flea control is best
achieved by having a thorough understanding of the life cycle and
formulating a plan to disrupt it.
Flea life cycle
The flea life cycle is made up of - the egg, larvae, pupa, and
adult stages. The first 3 stages represent 95% of the flea's life.
These 3 stages take place primarily in your house and yard. The adult
flea represents only 5% of the life span. However, that 5% is spent
entirely on the dog. Adult fleas bite your dog and receive a blood
meal. The female fleas lay eggs (up to 60 eggs daily). The eggs fall
off the dog into the environment and hatch over the next 2-12 days.
The hatchlings (larvae) molt during the next 10-21 days, to form a
cocoon or pupa. The cocoon stage may last more than one year but is
usually complete within 16-21 days.
The young adult flea that emerges from the cocoon then jumps
on the dog where it can live until 3-4 months. When a female flea
receives a blood meal and lays eggs the life cycle is complete. One
female flea can lay several hundred to several thousands of eggs in
her lifetime!
Flea control
Flea control has never been easier and more convenient than it
is today. As always, prevention of a flea problem is preferable to
treatment of an existing flea infestation. Keeping the flea life cycle
in mind, flea control must be aimed at two areas: the environment and
the dog.
The environment
Since 95% of each flea's life span is spent off the dog,
environmental control is very important. The best method to ensure a
flea free environment is to spray all the nooks and crannies in and
around your house, with flea controlling sprays. There are also many
house cleaning agents available, which can be also effectively used.
It is essential to spray/clean all those areas first where your dog
spends most time in. This activity should be performed once a month
year round or at least starting several weeks before spring and
continuing until winter.
The Dog
As with environmental control, flea prevention on the dog is
much easier and safer than ever before. Flea sprays, powders, dips and
shampoos are the standard for prevention. Flea sprays/powders can be
directly sprayed on the dog's coat either on a weekly/monthly basis or
in case of infestation. It is preferable to always use a flea
controlling shampoo to bathe your dog with. In tropical climates,
especially like in
India, using such a shampoo is an absolute must. Dips are to be used
only in cases of flea infestation and that too with a lot of care.
Keep these points in mind when treating for fleas:
-
For every adult flea you see, there are at least 50
other fleas in various stages (eggs, larvae, pupa) that you don't
see.
-
Although fleas prefer dogs, they will bite humans.
-
Many dogs are allergic to the flea's saliva that is
injected into the skin when a bite occurs.
-
Many fleas carry tapeworms, which are ingested when your
dog grooms himself or herself.
-
Fleas can live on your dog year-round, even if your dog
is outdoors during the winter.
-
One female flea can produce up to 60 eggs per day and
can live 3-4 months. That's over 7000 offspring.
-
A severe flea infestation can be life threatening in
puppies.
-
The most effective treatment for fleas is early
prevention.
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