Fleas are an extremely common source of irritation and worry for both pets and owners. With central heating and milder winters problems occur all year round and fleas are highly successful insects in terms of breeding and feeding. If your dog or cat has a flea allergy then the problem is extremely distressing. In these cases it is essential to eradicate fleas from your home or at least reduce them to a very low level. This sheet aims to explain the basics of flea control.

Diagnosing fleas on your pet is easy if the adult, dark brown, fleas are seen running quickly through the animals coat - but they are fast and often missed. Flea dirts are jet black granules found on the coat and bedding. These are the fleas faeces and are often the only evidence of the flea infestation and can be demonstrated by brushing the coat onto damp white paper where they dissolve to a red or brown stain due to the presence of digested blood. Occasionally, small white shiny flea eggs may be found in a pets bed.

In cases of flea allergy there may be no evidence of fleas at all,especially in cats, due to the extra thorough grooming. Scratching, licking and irritation may be very severe in cases of flea allergy or very mild or even nonexistent in non-allergic animals.

Fleas breed quickly in warm moist conditions (summertime or centrally heated houses). The first flea is picked up from another dog or cat or communal sleeping place - or possibly from wildlife e.g. rabbits / hedgehogs.

One adult flea can lay 250 eggs in a fortnight and these can hatch to new fleas in as little as two weeks.

The "second and subsequent fleas" then tend to be picked up from the pets own environment -- usually our homes. Pets beds, furniture and carpets become the major source of infestation.

Pupae can survive in carpets and bedding for many months until stimulated to hatch by the presence of a dog, cat or human. Warmth, vibrations or CO2 from breath will cause a hungry flea to hatch within minutes.

So, fleas on the dog or cat only represent about 5 percent of potential infestation - 95 percent of the life cycle stages are in the home.

Control
Armed with this knowledge about fleas.... how to control them ?

Control of fleas on a dog or cat must involve more than single or even repeated applications are shampoos, powders or the use of the flea collars. These have their place, but are generally not very effective.

We recommend that you:

1. Kill adult fleas on your pet.
2. Thoroughly clean your home.
3. Prevent fleas breeding in your home.

1. Kill adult fleas on your pet with

2. Thoroughly clean your house:

Use a vacuum cleaner with a flea collar in the dust bag regularly on floors and furniture, and wash or destroy pets bedding.

3. Prevent fleas breeding in your home with;

Success in controlling fleas requires:

All three parts to be followed.
All animals in the household to be treated.
Patience; as resistant pupae will hatch gradually so control may take 2-3 months to achieve.
Maintenance of control to prevent re-infestation.

Ask Our Advice
At Highgate Veterinary Clinic we have much experience in dealing with flea problems and stock a range of highly effective products for their control.
Please ask our advice on any aspect of flea control