Critter Chat Debut - on Fleas

Hi everyone and welcome to critter chat! All of us here at Agnes Coast Vet Surgery are excited to be publishing our first critter chat about a topic that effects all of us – Fleas!

Summer time = flea control. We live in one of the most flea- friendly climates in Australia here in Agnes Water where heat, sand and dust is the norm for our pets. All of these conditions create a perfect breeding ground for fleas. 95% of a flea lifecycle occurs within the environment of where your pet lives and sleeps, so the fleas you see on your dog are only 5% of the problem! Fleas love warm dark places and live and breed in these conditions such as dirt, dust, pet bedding areas and even between floorboards.

There are many products on the market for flea control but what they all rely on is consistency in your application. Dose them regularly and for their correct weight. Whether your chosen method of control is a tablet, spray on, collar or spot-on application, consistency and accurate dosage is imperative to your pets flea eradication program.

Some tips for you to consider-:
· As stated above, fleas love dark places for breeding. Regular washing (in water hotter than 60 degrees for 10 mins) and weekly airing in the sun of your pets bedding and regular replacement is recommended.

· Keep your pet out of the dirt, sand and (if its dusty) under the house as fleas love dark places to breed, so this is where all the newly hatched fleas are waiting and ready to pounce. Young adult fleas jumping onto your pet are unavoidable but control of where your pet sleeps and plays reduces this risk. If you can’t avoid these ‘danger zones’ there are sprays available to help you control the problem. But avoidance is definitely better!

· Treat all of the pets in your household. Treating just one pet if you have more will not be effective. Don’t forget the cats!

· Regular vacuuming of your home will assist with removal of eggs and stimulate fleas to emerge (so you can eradicate them!)

· Avoid untreated animals entering your home environment.

· Consistency – whatever your choice of flea control is, make it consistent. Read the label and adhere to it.

We hope this has been useful to you and please do not hesitate to contact our clinic for further information about flea control for your best friend, your pet!