Fleas are small, dark brown wingless insects and are more common
than most people believe. They affect cats, dogs and humans!
Why can fleas be a problem?
When fleas bite they suck the blood of their host. This causes
irritation and itchyness, and can lead to Flea Allergy Dermatitis.
This is where the animal (cat, dog or human!) has an allergic
reaction to flea saliva, resulting in a severe reaction with red
skin, scabs and severe itching. Fleas are also an intermediate host
for some tapeworms.
What is flea lifecycle?
In 36 hours a female flea can suck blood and lay about 50 eggs. The
eggs usually fall off the animal and hatch into larvae in the
environment. The lifecycle of a flea lasts between 2 and 3 weeks.
About 95% of the total population of fleas, eggs and larvae exist in
the environment surrounding the animal, not on the animal. This is
why products like flea collars and shampoos do not have more than
marginal benefits to controlling fleas.
What can be done to address this
problem?
Warm, humid weather can lead to a rapid increase in the flea
population outside, but with animals that are kept indoors fleas are
a year-round problem. Safe, effective, easy to apply flea prevention
products are available for cats and dogs. Ask our staff which
quality product is best suited for your pet.
