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From the Mirrabooka Veterinary Hospital
Some
facts about fleas and flea control
for
the cat and dog owner
Fleas are biting insects which infest the hair
and skin of animals but more particularly, are capable of surviving in the
animal's living area for long periods of time. The flea cycle involves adults,
eggs and larvae and all stages can survive away from the dog/cat for at least
some months and under ideal conditions for very much longer. It is sometimes
stated that even adult fleas are only on your host animal for about 20% of the
time and the rest of the time they spend in the animal's environment; the
carpet, garden, on your pets bed.
For this reason finding just a few fleas on
your animal indicates that a much larger population of fleas is actually being
supported.
The major problem with fleas is the irritation
they cause and which in
many cases, is exacerbated by a flea bite
allergy syndrome which can become extremely
severe. In addition, fleas can transmit tapeworms to dogs and cats. In the case
of dogs which are allergic to flea bites, even one or a few fleas can initiate
the allergic reaction which in most cases starts over the rump area, causing
extreme irritation, loss of hair and thickening of the skin. flea bite
allergy syndrome which can become extremely
severe. In addition, fleas can transmit tapeworms to dogs and cats. In the case
of dogs which are allergic to flea bites, even one or a few fleas can initiate
the allergic reaction which in most cases starts over the rump area, causing
extreme irritation, loss of hair and thickening of the skin. flea bite
allergy syndrome which can become extremely
severe. In addition, fleas can transmit tapeworms to dogs and cats. In the case
of dogs which are allergic to flea bites, even one or a few fleas can initiate
the allergic reaction which in most cases starts over the rump area, causing
extreme irritation, loss of hair and thickening of the skin.
Successful treatment depends on complete
elimination of the flea population, not just on the animal but in the animal's
environment. A major cause of control breakdown in many cases is because of
reinfestation from neighbour's dogs or cats and this, of course, is very
difficult to control. Control of flea
allergy dermatitis
( a consequence of flea bite allergy
syndrome ) is complex and difficult and may involve utilization of drugs such as
cortisone which may have side effects. Accordingly, the major method of
controlling flea allergy dermatitis and other conditions caused by fleas is to
control the flea population.
Because all stages of the flea life cycle can
remain alive in the animal's environment for long periods of time, you will need to attempt
to break the flea life cycle in some way. Several modern flea control remedies
are designed to prevent either the maturation of flea larvae or to prevent the hatching of flea
eggs. These are extremely useful and very safe methods of flea control and in
most cases are more effective than simply using sprays, powders or flea collars
which simply kill the fleas once they have hopped onto your pet. However
insecticides, in many cases, may be needed to supplement the use of the more
sophisticated control measures as the latter usually takes some months before
they show maximum effect.
It is important that you ask your veterinarian
for advice in the use of all flea control remedies because flea control is not a
simple matter and different preparations need to be used in quite different
ways. Your veterinarian is the only person who is really qualified to give you
advice on fleas and their control.
Ask your Veterinarian about
fleas and their control
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