Train My Pets

Share:

It’s summer and it seems like fleas are everywhere. Luckily, today’s pet owner has an arsenal of flea treatments at their disposal. Pyrethrin is a safe and widely used insecticide. Methoprene and Fenoxycarb are insect growth regulators (IGR) which prevent eggs and larvae from developing into pupae. Always treat gun dogs and their environment at the same time.

The complete life span of a flea can last anywhere from 2 weeks up to 8 months. Why are they so hard to kill? The cocoon that the pupa wraps itself in is completely impervious to insecticides. This is why people sometimes see a new infestation of fleas 2 weeks after the initial treatment. Once the pupa stage is over, an adult flea emerges. And you are back to square one.

Flea Baths
Using a regular flea prevention shampoo can help with flea control. One thing to be careful about though is flea dips – especially if you have children in the house. Flea dips are very harsh and most leave a residue on your dog – they’re only recommended in cases of very extreme infestation and should be discussed with your veterinarian before use.

Spot On Medications
These flea medications are dispensed between the shoulder blades. This is a once a month treatment. All brands kill adult fleas. Some prevent the growth of eggs and larvae as well. Puppies have to be at least 8 weeks old for use. Bathing and swimming lowers this medications potency.

Pill Flea Treatment
Pills treat fleas for 1 month. It’s works like flea birth control. Fleas bite your dog and become sterilized. They die without laying eggs and soon you have no fleas. This medication can’t be washed off and is perfect for indoor pets.

Natural Methods
Not everyone likes to use chemicals for flea control purposes. If this is the case, you should vacuum thoroughly as often as possible. In addition to carpets, vacuum furniture, pillows, and bedding. Properly discard the bag, or burn it, right away. Secondly, you should wash everything in the hot water cycle. Lastly, use dried pennyroyal, diactomaceous earth, or pyretthrum powder. Apply it on pet bedding and underneath cushions and mattresses. However, don’t use pennyroyal if your dog is pregnant. Repeat this process every few days.

Clean from inside out
All of our dogs love to cuddle in their beds, on furniture and even on the carpeting. Unfortunately, these areas are favorite hiding spots for fleas as well. Vacuuming and treating all areas completely and thoroughly are the secret to success, however make sure that you don’t leave the bag in the vacuum or you’re just going to create a new nest for them. Your dog’s bed and bedding should be washed at least weekly in hot water to help prevent re-infestation.

In the outdoors, fleas usually stay in wet and shaded places like dog houses or kennels, flower beds, and underneath your deck or porch. If your pet spends time in these or other areas, treat the area. Also, rake and mow the lawn completely to keep fleas away. Rake up leaves from flower beds and beneath bushes to make insecticides more effective in these areas. Clean all pet kennels or carriers and make sure you vacuum the inside of your car. Garages, basements, and other rooms without carpetting should be mopped completely to kill flea larvae creeping in the cracks and crevices.

There are many foggers and sprays that are effective treatments of your home and yard. Read and follow the directions carefully. Heavily infested areas should be re-treated in 2 or 3 weeks.

Fleas can be a nuisssance to both humans and pets. Flea bites can be very itchy and cause skin problems, and even hair loss or infection. Even worse, a very bad flea problem can also cause anemia and tapeworms. As well, flea allergy to lead to dermititis. For these reasons, killing fleas is very important. By following the advice above, your pets and your home can remain free of fleas.

Share: