Todays post is Reblogged from The Misadventures of Misaki with there kind permission.
Today’s post is from The Pet Medicine Company
A flea infestation is more than just some mild discomfort for your dog. Left untreated, fleas can be a serious health hazard. While it would be nice to ignore the problem and just let it go away, the reality of the situation is that without a proper dog flea treatment, these pests will stay around for a long time. If you’re wondering how to approach a flea treatment for dogs in your household, consider the information below before making your final decision.
Symptoms of a Flea Infestation
Contrary to popular belief, flea infestations in pets aren’t always easy to identify. Dogs scratch for a variety of reasons, including dry skin and certain types of allergies. Despite that, scratching is still the first sign that your dog might have a flea infestation. Chewing can also be common, where the dog seems to spend a lot of time nibbling at the hindquarters or paws. Other signs include red pimples or bumps that weren’t there before. These are usually located along the underbelly, near the groin, and at the base of the tail. These bumps are flea bites and indicate that the dog might have an infestation you need to deal with.
The Dangers Posed by Fleas
Fleas are more than just an itchy nuisance. Without a proper flea treatment for dogs, these parasites can cause some major health problems. This can include making the dog more susceptible to other dangerous parasites, such as tapeworms or heartworms. The skin irritation caused by an infestation can cause rashes and hair loss. Because the fleas are feeding on your pet’s blood, there is a risk of anaemia, which can cause additional health complications and even death. The threat posed by fleas isn’t restricted just to dogs, either. While fleas don’t nest in humans, other parasites caused by the fleas can go from pets to their owners. Tapeworms, for example, can be passed from dogs to humans.
Treatment and Prevention
There are multiple goals for any flea treatment for dogs. Adult fleas need to be killed, their eggs need to be removed, and any eggs or dander in the home must also be removed. Several flea treatment products are available to help this happen. Products such as Frontline and Revolution are extremely popular, although other similar products can also be effective. It’s important to keep applying the flea treatment on a monthly basis for at least six to nine months. This will ensure that all the fleas are dead and that any newborn fleas from eggs that might have been missed get killed off as well. You should also vacuum frequently and wash your pet’s bedding to eliminate flea dander and eggs.
Fleas are a problem that almost every dog has to deal with. However, you can limit the damage done by these parasites if you use preventive care, keep your pet’s environment clean, and stay vigilant. Finding the right flea treatment for your pets will also help keep them healthy for years to come.
Many thanks for the information The Pet Medicine Company
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