How To Protect Your Pets From Fleas And Ticks

Fleas are wingless, blood-sucking insects that feed on dog, cats, humans and other species. There are many different types of flea each one specific to the animal that it lives on. The most frequent fleas found in the home are the cat flea and dog flea.

THE FLEA PROBLEM
Fleas and ticks are responsible for a number of diseases in pets and people. Some types of ticks, for example, can transmit the bacteria that cause Lyme disease to animals and humans and some fleas can harbor tapeworm larvae, which grow into adult tapeworms in the intestines of pets or people. Flea bites commonly cause skin irritation and itching and some pets are allergic to flea saliva.

Taking care of your pets responsibly includes protecting them from fleas and ticks. Fleas can be a problem even in the best kept homes and on the cleanest of pets. The best approach to managing fleas is prevention. But if you already have a flea problem, you can control them as long as you treat both your pet and your home. Many products are available to help control fleas and ticks on pets and in their environment. Check with your veterinarian for appropriate treatments.

FLEA TREATMENT AND CONTROL
The objective of treatment is to break the flea life cycle by treating the home, the pets, and the outside environment with insecticide. Before purchasing and applying pesticide products to pets to control fleas and ticks, talk to your veterinarian about the best product to use and how to treat the animal, as well as the environment.

After feeding on your pet's blood the female flea lays eggs which drop into the animal's bedding or favourite resting place. The highest concentration of eggs, larvae and pupae are likely to be in these areas rather than on the animal itself. This means the vast majority of the flea population lives in your yard or home.

Regular cleaning of bedding combined with thorough vacuuming of furniture and floors will help to destroy each stage of the flea's life cycle. Frequently vacuum floors, upholstered furniture, and areas where pets may sleep indoors. Treat animal bedding by boiling, or use animal-safe insecticides or other products recommended by your vet. (Visit http://www.pet-care-supplies.co.uk/vermin-protection/ to see what's available)

When treating the yard, don't forget to treat under bushes and in flower beds. If pets travel in the car, treat car seats and carpets as well.

You should continue to vacuum the house frequently and thoroughly. Throw away the dust bag (vacuum cleaner bags) from your vacuum after each use to prevent any flea eggs and larvae from developing. Don't allow pets to roam and pick up fleas from other animals and keep pets out of hard to clean areas.

PROFESSIONAL FLEA CONTROL
Once fleas are established, eliminating them requires persistence. If home treatments are ineffective, professional extermination may be needed. Further advice on methods of treatment can be obtained from the environmental health officer at your local council, or a commercial pest control company. You can also pay a visit to your veterinarian who will recommend services or products suitable to treat your pet and your home.

Copyright © 2005. Bridget Mwape of Pet Care Supplies UK: http://www.pet-care-supplies.co.uk/ which offers thousands of products to help you care for your pets.

This article may be reprinted as long as all the above links are active and clickable and this author box (byline) is not edited.

---

Essential Oils and Our Pets

Before we talk about using the essential oils, we first... Read More

How to Care for Your Kitten

Caring for a kitten is a lot of work. With... Read More

Dog Worms -- Dont Let Them Get Started

There may be no warning before dog worms strike.It was... Read More

Parrot Keeping

Parrots are becoming more popular as pets with each passing... Read More

Tips on Hamster Breeding

Hamster breeding can sometimes be confusing for a hamster owner.... Read More

Finding A Reputable Dog Breeder

Anyone can put two dogs together and let them breed,... Read More

Dog Training - How To Win Your Dogs Confidence

Settling a puppy into a new home successful is often... Read More

Westie Pups - Tips for Success in Housetraining

Perhaps the best way to train your westie pups not... Read More

Tips on Easy House Breaking Your Puppy

If you are lucky enough to get a 7-week-old puppy,... Read More

Breed Success in Your Puppy Search

The numbers will make any pet lover blanch with disgust,... Read More

Dogs and Children ? What Parents Need to Know to Prevent Dog Bites

Dogs and children are a perfect fit. They are what... Read More

4 Things Frustrated Dog Owners Should Know

You've probably had a day or two when you felt... Read More

Tips For Keeping Your Pug Happy And Healthy

Bringing home a Pug can change our life, but it... Read More

Disaster Preparedness for Pets - A Guide for Pet-Care Business Professionals

June is Disaster Preparedness for Pets month ? but if... Read More

Why Exotic Pets Should Not Be Banned

We all know how special interest groups can blow things... Read More

Are You Feeding Your Cat The Right Food?

What should you feed your cat to make sure he... Read More

5 Ways to Pamper Your Parrot

We are all busy these days and I know it's... Read More

Horse Training Facts And Maxims

To the uninitiated horse owner, there are timely facts about... Read More

5 Tips For Feeding A Happy, Healthy Dog

Do you really know all there is to know about... Read More

Ensure a Good Relationship Between Your Cat and Your Kids

Many parents know that the best way for children to... Read More

A Dog Name is Something To Be Chosen Carefully

How important is a dog name? Well let's think about... Read More

7 Puppy Naming Tips

You've picked out the perfect puppy. You spent hours on... Read More

Doggie Day Care is an Awesome Alternative

Doggie day care is becoming more and more prevalent in... Read More

Shut The Door Buddy: Simple Dog Tricks To Teach and Impress

The shutting and opening door trick can be taught to... Read More

Benny Comes Back!

This has been one of the most rewarding adventures I... Read More

Immune System Booster for Your Pets

Many chronic diseases commonly seen in pets result from immune... Read More

Parvo in Dogs

What Is ParvoParvo is a serious viral disease that can... Read More

Horse Training Gets A New Face Lift From A 108 Year Old Horse Training Manual!

If you have a passion to learn all you can... Read More

One Of The Benefits Of Using RecoveryPets.Com

One of the benefits of registering your pet with a... Read More

Correcting a Dog Behavior Problem - Jumping

The first thing to realize when you are training a... Read More

Treating Dog Arthritis With Natural Supplements

Dog arthritis is one of the most common diseases that... Read More

Do They Really Need a Dog Bed?

When Lucky was starting to show signs of aging, we... Read More

Too Many Cats?

Cats are becoming increasingly popular as pets these days, and... Read More