Fleas are one of the most common problems that pet parents could face as they aren't just annoying; they're also dangerous.
They become a hassle once they’ve taken up residence in your pet’s fur since they take your pet as a host to live on it and suck their blood and cause itching, injuries, secondary skin problems, and fleas allergy.
In this article, you’ll know how to identify the presence of fleas on your pet, their danger to your pet and even you, and how to deal with them.
How to tell that my pet has fleas?
Fleas are simple to detect. They live on your pet's skin and escape between their coats, so the only thing you have to do is check your pet’s fur for any movement. You’ll find the adult parasite or their dirt ( dark pepper-like flecks ), especially at the back of your pet, between their toes, or on their legs. Or by the white towel test by passing a flea comb through the fur while laying your cat on a white towel. You can use this method also to get rid of some of the fleas but not all of them.
You can also look for the bite marks of fleas on your pet’s skin, it’s like a normal insect bite but smaller.
In severe manifestation, you’ll notice excessive hair loss, vigorous itching, and skin redness.
Fleas Danger
As mentioned before, fleas can cause
dermal disease in your pet
Anemia in severe cases due to blood loss.
Tapeworm infection since fleas acts as a vector for worms.
Contagious diseases.
Act as a risk factor for your pet which decreases their immunity.
Fleas can also affect humans. Typically, pet flea bites on humans are found at the ankles. The affected area will have itchy and small red spots.
Dealing with fleas
Treatment
Treatment with anti-fleas drugs that could be spot treatments, oral tablets, or sprays. Protection period and doses vary according to the drug brand.
Combing your pet using a fine-toothed flea comb frequently, especially on the neck and tail area.
Anti-fleas showers could help to kill adult fleas.
Dewormer drug administration for protection.
Control
Regular checks to identify flea infestation early and control it before spreading.
Anti-fleas drug administration monthly for protection, especially if your pet goes outside a lot.
Vacuum your floors frequently to eliminate all the fleas that could escape in the hidden holes.
Wash bedding at the highest temperature applicable and dry them on a high heat setting.