The Best Flea Prevention For Pets

Fleas are an age-old enemy of many pet owners; the mere mention of them already making us itch! The second our fur babies start to scratch we are put on high alert. But while fleas are a nuisance, they are easily treatable, and better yet–they are preventable.

Keeping on top of flea prevention for your pets will help keep the itchy little pests out of your home, ensuring both you and your pet remain calm and comfortable. It can be easy to let regular treatments fall by the wayside, however missing these important steps in pet care can cause us more significant issues further down the line.

We are going to take a closer look at the best flea treatment for dogs and cats, how fleas and ticks can be prevented in the first place, as well as answering any burning questions about how to manage fleas should they enter the home.

Pet Flea Signs and Symptoms

Fleas are small external parasites who jump onto their host and feed on their blood, leaving behind itchy bites which can cause extreme discomfort. Once they’ve found somewhere warm and cosy with a flowing blood supply, fleas will mate and lay their eggs amongst your pet’s fur, which can result in further infestation throughout the home.

Not only this, fleas also have the ability to transfer certain diseases through their bites, making them particularly unpleasant.

Common signs and symptoms that your pet may have fleas include:

• Scratching: One of the main signs that your pet may have fleas is if they suddenly start scratching more frequently. Flea bites are extremely itchy, and so your pet may be tying themselves in knots trying to scratch those hard to reach places.
• Skin soreness and hair loss: Your pet may present with sore red spots on their skin if they have contracted fleas; this can be checked by parting their fur and inspecting the skin beneath. They may also start to lose patches of hair from increased scratching.
• Visible fleas or ‘flea dirt’: They may be small, but fleas are still visible to the naked eye. Usually brown or black in colour, you may be able to catch sight of the intruders, or if not, you may see pepper-like residue on your pet’s skin or on furniture. This is known as ‘flea dirt’, and is essentially waste left behind by the parasites.
• Pale gums: Fleas feed on your pet’s blood, and so checking to see if their gums are pale can indicate whether your fur baby is suffering with anaemia due to blood loss - this issue can be more prevalent in younger animals.

Flea Prevention For Dogs and Cats

So, how do we stop these pesky parasites from finding their way into our lives? Flea and tick prevention for dogs and cats can be managed in a number of ways, with vigilance being at the top of the list.

Regular grooming is one of the best ways you can help to prevent flea infestations in your home. By regularly brushing through and checking your pet’s fur and skin, it allows you to keep a close eye on your pet’s health and intervene quickly should any issues present themselves. Not only this, grooming is a wonderful bonding experience for you and your pet!

Routine flea and ticks treatments should also be a priority. There are different options depending on your pet’s age and medical needs; the treatment can be administered orally or topically, as well as through the use of flea collars. Always consult your vet to get advice on the best flea treatment for dogs and cats, and to receive advice tailored to your pet’s specific needs.

What to Do If Your Pet Has Fleas

If it starts to become evident that your pet may have contracted fleas, the best thing to do is act quickly and treat them before the issue gets worse.

Similarly to checking for lice in human children, combing your pet’s fur with a fine tooth comb will help to check for any visible fleas or residue they have left behind. This will also allow you to check their skin for irritation and get an idea of how bad the situation is.

Once you have identified whether fleas are present, you can choose to visit a specialist pet store, to receive advice on appropriate flea treatments to give your pet to help eliminate the present fleas. More often than not, specialist pet stores will advise that you consult a vet if your pet has any health issues or concerns before giving treatment. Spot treatments are usually extremely effective, and with professional guidance you should be able to find the right fit for your fur baby.

Not only do you need to treat your pet, your home must also be given a good clean to reduce the risk of further infestation. It is recommended to wash any bedding your pet may have slept on, clean and treat any furniture that may be at risk, as well as general cleaning and vacuuming to get rid of remaining fleas or eggs.

Searching for flea treatments for your dog or cat? Then check out our Dog Flea & Worming and our Cat Flea & Worming collections here.

Can Pet Fleas Live on Humans?

Although humans can receive the odd bite from fleas, you’ll be pleased to know that fleas cannot live on humans due to the fact we don’t have fur for them to set up camp in.

Flea bites in humans will often appear on the ankles and lower legs, but of course if fleas are present in the home and a human interacts with an infected animal or part of the house, fleas can take a bite out of wherever they land.

Some people will have a more severe reaction to the bites than others. It is recommended to ice the affected area to reduce the swelling, and perhaps administer a soothing cream or aloe vera gel. Antihistamines can also be helpful if you have a more severe reaction, however if you notice your symptoms worsening, or you continue to feel ill it is vital to seek emergency medical assistance to rule out further infection or disease transmission.

In conclusion

Like with many pet ailments, the best defence is a good offence; ensuring regular preventative measures such as grooming and treatments are put in place will help to stop fleas and ticks taking hold in the first place. The more prepared you can be initially, the safer your pet and home will be from unwanted visitors!