Fleas are nasty little parasites that can only not make your pets itchy and uncomfortable, they can make animals anaemic, spread tapeworm, and cause serious skin irritations. Railway Avenue Veterinary Hospital is the local vet Roleystone and Armadale dog, and cat owners trust for professional pet car services. Armadale and surrounding suburbs have recently seen a surge in fleas, so here’s our simple guide to preventing and treating fleas in your precious pets.
Different Flea Control Options
We all know the saying ‘prevention is better than cure’ and these days there are a lot of options available that are safe and effective in preventing fleas from infesting your furry friends. Thankfully, even if your pet does suffer from a flea attack, it is quite simple to get rid of them swiftly. The below are the most common flea control measures:
Topical Solutions – These products come in small vials and are squeezed onto your pet’s neck, or between their shoulder blades, once a month. Convenient and mess-free, these popular flea preparations have proved be highly effective. They contain active ingredients, which both kill the adult fleas on your pet and stop fertile eggs being laid, preventing larval and pupal development. This ensures optimal flea control at every stage of their life cycle, preventing re-infestation.
Oral Preventatives – Tablets and chews are often meat-flavoured to make them more appealing to your pet, alternatively, tablets can be administered with the use of a tablet syringe (available from your local Armadale vet). Oral measures are ideal for pets with sensitive skin or for those who enjoy swimming frequently. Often these oral chews protect against other issues including heartworm and intestinal worms. Keep in mind, there is only one oral option for cats called Comfortis, and this is effective against fleas only for one month.
Sprays and Shampoos – Sprays are very effective against fleas and can be used on both dogs and cats. One spray should eliminate fleas for up to two to three months and they also provide good control against ticks. Insecticidal rinses are also popular, and these can be used weekly on dogs, but are generally not suitable for cats. Flea shampoos are also good for cleaning your dog or cat and will kill any fleas present at the time. They will not, however, have any residual action so they will not have any effect on fleas once your pet’s coat is dry.
Collars – There is a multitude of flea collars available, however, many of them have proven to be ineffective. Seresto is one of the best collars in the market, which provides up to 8 months of continuous protection from fleas on cats and dogs, as well as 4 months of protection from ticks on dogs. These collars are adjustable, water-resistant, and odourless and can be used on puppies and kittens from around 8-10 weeks of age.
Controlling Fleas in the Environment
A single flea can lay hundreds of eggs. These eggs are easily dropped from the animal’s coat and lodge into carpet and bedding. When a flea infestation is severe, it’s also important to control the eggs and larvae that are in the surrounding environment.
- Remove as much dirt and debris from your pet’s bedding as possible and vacuum all over the house, paying close attention to any area in which your pet sleeps.
- Dispose of the dirt from the vacuum cleaner into a rubbish bag, add some insecticide spray and then place it in the garbage bin.
- Use an environmental flea spray to kill adult fleas and larvae on application, this will also provide ongoing protection.
There is a wide variety of products available to prevent and treat fleas, however, always read the label before using any product, especially for cats. Any product containing permethrin is toxic to cats and should never be used. Your local Armadale-Byford vet centre will be able to advise the best and most effective flea control for your specific pet, so make an appointment to discuss your options today.
Need a Vet Near Armadale to Care for Your Pet?
At Railway Avenue Vet Armadale, we are here to help with your pet care needs and we can help you find the right flea product that suits your pet’s individual needs. If you have any questions or concerns about flea control or any other issues relating to your beloved pet, make an appointment with us today by calling (08) 9497 1547 or book online now.
