Fleas are a Pesky Problem for Your Pets

 

As the weather begins to warm up, pet owners may notice their furry friends are scratching themselves more than normal. When this happens, it is possible the pet has fleas.  

Dr. Rosslyn Biggs, Oklahoma State University Extension veterinarian and director of continuing education for the university’s College of Veterinary Medicine, said fleas can be a source of irritation for your pets.  

“Fleas like to ‘run around’ near the tail area or you may see them on the belly of your pet. Flea dirt, which is actually flea poop, appears as dark specs about the size of grains of pepper,” Biggs said. “Warm, humid weather is when fleas thrive, so we’re coming into the time of year when you’re most likely to see an infestation. However, since many pets reside indoors, fleas can also be a year-round problem, contaminating both your home and your yard.”  

Fleas can also be the source of FAD, otherwise known as flea allergy dermatitis, which can affect more than just animals. 

Biggs said if fleas can’t find a good blood meal by biting a cat or dog, they are not opposed to feeding on humans.  

“A flea infestation in and around your home may result in you getting bit, which can cause an allergic response,” she said.  

Anyone who has ever dealt with a flea infestation knows these pests can be difficult to eliminate. Areas of the home and yard that support flea development are the pet’s bedding, furniture cushions, carpeting, area rugs, flower beds, gardens, dog houses and spaces under decks and porches.  

“To control fleas, they must be removed from all sources, including the pet, the home and the yard. If you have more than one pet, it’s likely they all have fleas,” she said. “Be sure to treat your pets simultaneously. An integrated flea control program includes good sanitation and treatment of the pet and the environment, along with follow-up treatments.”  

For a flea program to be successful, it must involve a thorough cleaning to remove the eggs, larvae and pupae in the pet’s environment. It also includes a complete and proper application of flea control products as prescribed by a veterinarian.  

Biggs said to groom pets with a flea comb dipped in soapy water to reduce the number of adult fleas. Veterinarians should be consulted for the best products to control fleas on the pets and in the environment.  

“There isn’t a single chemical or chemical combination of insecticides that will fit all flea situations,” she said. “This is one reason why it’s important for pet owners to seek the counsel of their veterinarian when managing the flea population on pets, in the home and in the yard.”  

Over the years, modern insecticides and drug technology have reduced the need for environmental flea control, although in some cases it is still necessary. There are treatments available that stay on your pet for 30 days or more, which reduces the need for environmental treatment.  

“Basically, your pet is wearing the premise treatment and when the pet is exposed to adult fleas, eggs and larvae, the compounds are present to destroy these stages of the fleas,” Biggs said. “If your problem is particularly troublesome, your veterinarian may advise the use of premise control products.”  

 

OSU Extension offers additional flea control information online.