Practice News

FLEAS - Aaaaarggh!!!!

Fleas are the commonest cause of skin problems in dogs and cats. Fleas feed on your pet’s blood and usually, within 48 hours of their first feed, start laying eggs.  A single flea can lay up to 27 eggs per day!!  The eggs develop into larvae feeding on skin and organic debris in the pet’s bedding.  After 2 months the larva forms a pupa which can stay in the environment for many months before becoming a young adult flea.  These young fleas then seek a suitable host.  Dogs, cats and even humans can be bitten!

If you find a flea on your pet this is just the start of the problem. 

Ø      The eggs fall off your pet onto carpets, bedding, upholstery and other flooring.  Therefore you must also treat your house with a household spray and wash all bedding, as 99% of the flea population is in the bedding.

Ø      As fleas will live on both cats and dogs, all other pets in the house must be treated.

Ø      Fleas carry tapeworms, so if your pets ingest a flea whilst grooming, they will also get a tapeworm infestation!  Therefore you will also need to worm your pet.

Ø      Fleas can cause Flea Allergy Dermatitis and even anaemia!

The treatment for fleas couldn’t be easier.  It’s a simple spot-on preparation that goes on the back of the neck, usually once a month.  Remember prevention is better then cure!!!  Ask a member of the Veterinary team for the best flea treatment for your pet. 

NEVER APPLY A DOG SPOT-ON TREATMENT TO A CAT!!!