If your pet is scratching more than normal, the chances are they have fleas. Nicola Scott explains what to look for
Vince (my cat) has got fleas. I spotted a lone ranger trying to make a run for it through his deep fur and had a moment of panic. Obviously I did a full inspection, but now I’m ever so slightly paranoid, and here’s why.
The ones you see leaping off your pet are fully-grown adults and make up only 5-10% of the flea population. The remaining 90% is lurking as eggs, larvae and pupae (cocoons) waiting in your carpet, garden or favourite armchair until the conditions are right for them to hatch. (Are you itching yet?)
They’re a nightmare to get rid of simply because they’re resilient little suckers (the pupae can remain dormant for up to six months). When the environment suits – namely when the central heating comes on or the sun comes out – they emerge as wingless parasites that live off the blood of dogs, cats, rabbits, rodents, and other mammals (including humans).
Thanks to their ability to jump up to 150 times their own body length it doesn’t take them long to find a victim and start the whole prolific breeding process again. One female can lay up to 50 eggs per day, so it’s easy to see how an infestation can take hold causing absolute misery, and worse, some pretty nasty health issues for your pet.
“Beyond just the irritation, flea bites and the resulting exposure to flea saliva can result in severe reaction in some pets, leading to a condition known as Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD),” says Dr Scott Miller. “Fleas also carry tapeworm, which can lead to soft stools, weight loss and gastrointestinal upset,” he adds.
You know when your pet’s got some unwelcome guests – scratching is the obvious giveaway; you may also see tiny specs of flea dirt that looks a bit like pepper close to his skin, but how do you know if he’s allergic to flea saliva?
“Severe scratching and biting to the point of self harm is the classic reaction of a pet suffering with a flea bite allergy,” says Scott. “Regular use of flea treatment products is essential to keeping your pet flea free and comfortable.”
So what do you buy? There’s a mind-boggling choice of treatments available: spot-ons, tablets, shampoos, rinses and sprays, collars and powders. Thankfully the days of stinky, toxic products have gone so your pet won’t dive under the sofa the moment you take the lid off, but it needs to be strong enough to break the life cycle and prevent reinfection.
Whether you’re facing your first round of fleas or battling a never-ending infestation your vet will be able to advise on the right treatment to get them under control.
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