Most pet owners hope to protect their pets from fleas. After all, the last thing you want is a flea infestation in your home! They’re notoriously difficult to eradicate, and the bites are seriously itchy. You don’t want your pet to suffer, and you don’t want to suffer either.
But beyond that, many pet owners are unaware of the more serious risks associated with fleas. Even a minor flea problem is associated with the following health problems for your pet (and you):
- Skin problems – fleas are actually the number one cause of skin allergies in cats and dogs
- Dermatitis – severe inflammation in the skin, triggering itching and chewing which can cause significant damage
- Anemia – loss of red blood cells which can be fatal
- Fleas can transmit tapeworm larvae – a serious parasitic infestation
- Fleas can also transmit Murine Typhus – a bacterial infection that can infect humans and lead to organ damage
Aside from the very real health risks associated with fleas, a flea problem is a serious concern for another reason: It doesn’t take long for one flea to turn into thousands, or even millions. Once a flea latches onto your pet, it will drink a bit of blood and then search for a mate. This can happen in a matter of hours.
After mating, a single female flea can lay up to 50 eggs per day. And since the eggs are practically invisible, and can be scattered throughout your carpet, bedding, and furniture, you can have a major problem on your hands in a very short period of time!
Fleas thrive in warmer weather, but can be active all year round. And since we enjoy fairly seasonable temperatures all year in the Temecula Valley, you can bet that fleas won’t slow down much over the winter. Your best bet for flea control is to treat your pet regularly with a preventive product, so that fleas don’t really have a chance to set up house on your pet. And of course, regular vacuuming and yard maintenance will go a long way, too.
For more information on flea preventives, give us a call. We can make a recommendation based on your pet’s health and needs, and offer further tips on flea control for your home and family.