Monday, April 30, 2012

Flea Control

How can my pet have fleas?

Here in North Carolina we are blessed with mild winters.  This also means fleas can generally survive also.  In fact, spring and fall can be the worst times because fleas will thrive in that middle ground of temperature and humidity.  Strictly indoor pets can also be targets because the crafty flea will hitchhike on an unsuspecting human's pants or shoes and make its way inside for a tasty meal.  Long story short, any pet you don't want infested with fleas needs to be on a reliable flea control product year round. 

What about the stuff I can get cheap?

There are lots of options in flea control.  We sell several brands here in the hospital, more on our website.   We have had lots of customers try the cheap versions and they call us asking why their dog still has fleas.  (See our blog on Generics) Some of the other products have a spotty safety record.  We have seen seizures and vomiting from these products.  That's why we don't sell them.  We stand behind the products we sell.  They are safe and they work.  Our staff is well informed and can help you find the right product for your pet and your lifestyle.

How to use flea control correctly

Consistency is the key to controlling fleas.  Applying the product every month keeps the flea population from reproducing.  Any new fleas that make it into the area are killed and can't make new fleas.  If you only use the product when you see fleas you are always behind the curve.  If you are seeing fleas, wash all of the pet's bedding in hot water.  Vacuum everywhere you can and remove the bag (or empty the canister) immediately  and take it to an outdoor trash can.  For a bad infestation, you can apply the product every three weeks instead of every month.

Scratch, Scratch

Some dogs have an allergy to flea bites.  If they are bitten by even one flea they will scratch themselves raw.  If you have a cat in your house, she will be a flea's meal of choice.  If you have a dog that goes in and out and a cat that stays in, you should be treating both of them for fleas.

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