If you saw even one vicious flea on your pet this summer, NOW! is the time to take preventative action for next year. Don't think because the winter is fast approaching that you can let your guard down just yet.
Fleas can be a devastating problem for our pets in our neck of the woods here in Oregon. I have seen dogs and cats near death from a flea infestation. Although I am very pro natural remedies, natural diets, and healthy non chemical alternatives, this is the one time I am willing to use chemicals to prevent the potential flea problems which can quickly overwhelm our beloved pets beautiful bodies and minds. A dog or cat with flea dermatitis is pretty ugly and stinky and this preventable condition makes the animal unbelievably miserable.
Flea dermatitis is the number one skin and health issue we see at our dog wash throughout the spring and summer. In our valley fleas are very difficult to fight and control. They lurk everywhere; cracks, crevices, dog parks, grassy sidewalks or paths, any place dogs or cats hang out. Cats are the favored victim with dogs in second place and then some humans fall victim as well. Fleas harbor disease and are the host for tape worms.
Fleas lay low during the winter but remember one flea seen means hundreds lurking just waiting for that warm day early next spring. Flea eggs and larvae are impervious to our mild winters in the Willamette Valley and can live for years in that developmental state. A warm day over 50 degrees with the right humidity and a little vibration will allow them to hatch. They arrive very blood thirsty and ready to dine on the first warm body that comes along. Adult fleas lay around 50 eggs a day which drop off the dogs and cats as they move around. Yes, that means, if your pet has even one flea riding along and dining on his blood, anywhere your dog or cat has traveled, eggs are deposited.
FALL WARFARE
Bomb your home, twice if you had a problem this season, follow directions carefully. (one of two times I recommend chemical warfare for fleas)
Generously spread diatomaceous earth (DE)inside and outside in the places your pets hang out. (Food Grade DE is safe around pets and people, non chemical, natural).
Stock up on a supply of topical products or pills for internal flea control from your veterinarian NOW. (second time I will recommend chemicals for fleas)
Bath your pet during the winter regularly. (Pets can be bathed regularly, as often as once a month, if you are using a good conditioning pet shampoo) bathing your pet regularly helps get rid of dead hair and skin and more importantly allows you the opportunity to evaluate your pets skin and coat health. Pets may not appreciate the act of the bath but you will notice afterwards how good they feel. We see dogs do the "Happy To Be Clean" DANCE after a bath every day. It is so cute to watch a happy dog dance.
Wash pets bedding. Actually pets bedding should be washed regularly the same as you do for your family's sheets and blankets. If your pets sleep with you, washing every ones bedding often is a must.
Check with your veterinarian about worming for tape worms. If fleas have been a part of your pets life, it is time to consider that your pet might have tape worms. Tape worms are non life threatening unless a pet has a tired immune system or is already ill from some other disease.
Lastly, if your pet did have a bad time of it with fleas this summer consider adding a multi vitamin to their daily diet. You can also add some canned dog food that contains liver or a couple of raw chicken livers or a tablespoon of raw beef liver to their daily food routine every other day for four to six weeks. The reason for this is, if your pet had more than just a few fleas this last season, he is likely to be slightly anemic from the fleas dining on his blood.
If you will do these things in the fall, you may not have any flea issues come spring.
Your Pets will Love you a bunch for these preventative measures.
