They're Back!
Yes,
and they’re hungry. Flea season is upon us and precautions should
be taken to protect your pets from these hungry parasites.
Fleas are prolific reproducers and a single female can lay 2,000 to 3,000 eggs in her lifetime. They are most active when the temperature is above 65 degrees Fahrenheit and the humidity is greater than 50%. February through October is usually the worst time of year for flea activity in Huntsville.
The adult flea will feed on any warm-blooded host. Fleas on your pet will cause blood loss, the potential transmission of disease, and possibly an allergic response. Because fleas are not host specific, it is not unusual for humans to be victims as well.
Fortunately, the life cycle of transmission is well known and there are ways to disrupt and eliminate these pests. In all cases, it is imperative to treat not only the pet, but also the premise where the egg, larval and pupa stages exist.
Treating the Pet:
There are many excellent products available for treating the animal.
Flea Shampoos: These will kill fleas provided ample contact time is allowed. This is usually 5-10 minute prior to rinsing. Always read the label to ensure the pet is old enough and the shampoo is safe for the species you are bathing. These have no residual activity.
Flea Sprays: These also kill fleas quickly. Most contain pyrethrins or synthetic pyrethrin derivatives. They also have very short residual activity and may require frequent application. Also be aware that most pets have an aversion to being sprayed! Hint: start at the head and work toward the tail.
Flea Powders: Some are species specific (no cats). The product must get to the skin level to be very effective. Often, residual activity is less than optimal for animals that become dirty.
Topicals:
Advantage: This
microcrystalline agent binds to hair follicles and is a neurotoxin to
fleas. Fleas do not have to feed on the pet to be affected.
Fleas are affected within minutes of contact with the crystal and death
quickly follows. Frequent bathing can remove this product from the hair
coat. This is an excellent product for animals with flea allergy
dermatitis as the flea dies prior to feeding (when allergic response occurs).
Frontline, Revolution: these products are absorbed into the oil glands of the skin. Intoxication and death for the flea occurs upon taking a blood meal. Because the products are within the skin, frequent bathing has minimal effect on duration of effect.
Over the counter topicals: These must be used with caution. Toxicities are not uncommon, even when used according to directions. Never use dog products on cats. Be aware that duration is commonly reported to be far shorter than labeled statements.
Oral Flea Products: Sentinel and Program are the primary products. These products are systemic birth-control products for fleas. When fleas feed on a pet with these products they do not die. The female’s eggs are damaged however, so that they will not hatch. These products, if used as the sole flea treatment, will have to be used several months before a significant decrease in flea population is noted. It is imperative that all pets in the household be treated similarly if this is the sole method of control.
Treating the Premise
Vacuuming the house is an excellent start. Be sure and vacuum cushions, under the couch and pet bedding. Mothballs in the vacuum cleaner bag will ensure that flea larva that hatch will not survive.
Flea Bombs are also very effective. Larvae are very resistant to practically everything. Therefore, repeat treatment is advised in 7-21 days to kill new adults.
Carpet Powders typically desiccate the fleas. They are effective; however, be aware that the crystals or dust may be in the carpet forever.
Yard Sprays and Granules
There are two choices, either Diazanon or Dursban. Both can be used
as granules and spread with a grass/fertilizer spreader, or sprayed with
a garden hose attachment. Be aware that repeat treatment is a must
in 7-21 days if a severe infestation is present.
In summary, to keep you and your pet happy and flea free be sure and treat both your pet and the environment.
Bob Conces DVM
Liz Conces DVM
11 Street Veterinary Hospital
Huntsville, TX 77340
936-293-8900
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