These flattened, wingless, and small insects infest the hair coats of mammals and plumage of birds alike. When they grow into adults, they develop a piercing part of their mouth that they use to prick the skin of their host to feed on their blood. Unfortunately, fleas are found in all parts of the world,with 2,400 species. For humans, there are only a fraction of those species that can feed on humans, dogs, and cats.
How can you prevent them?
The best way to address a flea infestation is to practice methods that will help your pets, and yourself avoid them. As both dogs and cats are highly susceptible to these bloodsuckers, it’s important to keep in mind that there are ways we can prevent them from feeding on our furry friends’ blood.
Limit outdoor time
Taking care of pets involves giving them an ample amount of time spent outdoors. Whether it be for playing or a walk, it’s necessary to let them spend time out in nature. Unfortunately, most flea infestations begin when these furry friends spend a lot of time outside. Fleas from other furry animals outdoors can walk around and flock to your pet, which isn’t easy to prevent because these insects are tiny.
The best way to prevent this is to limit the amount of time your pets spend outdoors. Walk or let them play in areas you know are safe from fleas-areas where stray animals don’t spend a lot of time in. With this in mind, you can keep your puppy training indoors as a safety measure.
Prevent contact with stray and wild animals
Animals out in the wild or the streets are highly susceptible to flea infestation. As there’s no human to take care of them and address their flea problems, fleas can grow and live in their coats for a long time, which can cause their death due to fatal blood loss.
If you’re taking your dog out for a walk, make sure you prevent them from making prolonged contact with stray animals or prevent any contact for safety.
Brush and bathe your pets
Bathing your pets regularly with anti-flea shampoo or soap can help keep the blood-sucking insects away. Not only do you keep your dog comfortable and clean with regular baths and brushing, but you also keep them safe from flea infestation that can harm them and the humans they make contact with and live with. Brushing helps you spot them before they multiply, which is easier than addressing them in high numbers.
Fleas have a preference for warm and humid weather, meaning you should take extra cautionary steps to protect your pets from them during summer. But they’re also capable of surviving any weather, somake sure your pets are taken care of all the time.
Talk to your veterinarian
Keeping a pet healthy entails having regular visits and conversations with your veterinarian on the best practices to keep your pet healthy and free from fleas. Veterinarians can advise you about the best flea control products that are suitable for your pet.
They’ll also advise you to make the anti-flea treatment a year-round thing, not only when fleas are more active during hot months. Your veterinarian will also address flea problems if you fail to prevent them from living and growing in your pet’s coat.
Keep your home free from fleas
Because fleas are small and can’t be seen if you’re not looking extremely closely, the chances of them entering and multiplying inside or around your home are high. They can live in beddings, carpets, and other surfaces where your pets stay frequently.
To prevent them from infesting your home, make sure you vacuum or sweep thoroughly and regularly. You’d want to vacuum your rugs and carpets along with the cushions on your chairs and sofas. After, make sure you empty the vacuum bag outdoors, preferably away from your home.
Your pet’s and your own bedding should also be cleaned frequently. The recommendation is to clean them with soap and water.
This piece of advice might be overused, and you’ll probably hear it multiple times from your reliable veterinarian, but prevention is always better than cure. Taking the necessary-and some extra steps to prevent fleas will take you and your pet a long way in steering clear of them.
It’s not easy to get rid of fleas that have already infested a home, but there are plenty of services and products you can use to get rid of them.