As you know, our site has many offers to save you money on everything you need for your pets. We offer savings on Frontline Plus, as well as many other flea and tick preventatives. And we hope your pet is having a marvelous pest-free Summer, like Meester Dog over on the right is. But if a flea infestation has gotten out of hand and you’re feeling frustrated trying to deal with it, take heart.
Although it isn’t easy and it takes some time and effort, it is possible to win the battle against fleas. The problem didn’t develop overnight, and it won’t be solved overnight either, but with persistence and a methodical approach you can rid your home and your pets of these nasty creatures.
The following things must be done simultaneously: cleaning, treatment of your pet and treatment of your home and yard. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to proceed.
1) Inspection
Before you can begin the work of sanitation, you need to know where the fleas are. You’re going to be spending a lot of time working to remove them, so it’s important to determine where the highest concentrations of flea eggs are larvae are hiding. Observe where your pet spends the most time sleeping or resting, as that is sure to be a hot spot for fleas, as are your pet’s meal area, the area most often used for exiting and entering the home, and the areas where you pet spends the most time with you and other family members. If your pet has a favorite spot to sit or rest at the base of furniture (or on the furniture), be sure to inspect that area thoroughly. Some people find it helpful to put on a pair of white sox (on top of the shoes) and walk through the house to find where fleas are concentrated. With cats, since they tend to climb be sure to check the tops of cabinets, tables, and even tall appliances such as refrigerators.
2) Cleaning and Vacuuming
Once you’ve found the infested areas, you’ll need to remove any nearby items such as toys, shoes, food and water dishes, etc. in order to give the areas a good cleaning. You’ll also want to wash any pet bedding, or other removable fabric surface. Vacuuming the other surfaces, be they carpeting or furniture, is one of your best allies in removing larvae and eggs. Pay particular attention to any areas where you see lint or pet hair, such as registers or air returns, cracks in the flooring, areas around baseboards and under furniture. Don’t forget to replace the bag in your vacuum, or empty the dust bins, and get all of that material out of your home. You’ll have to repeat this process at least every other day until you get things under control. You’ll also need to continue to wash your pet’s bedding once or twice a week.
3) Treat Your Pet
There are many options available for removing fleas from your pet, from mechanical removal with flea combs, to powders, shampoos, and products such as Frontline Plus. Speak with your veterinarian to determine which products and methods will be best for your pet and your family. Since the flea’s life cycle is three or four weeks, you’ll need to continue treatment for at least that long. Some products such as Frontline and Advantix continue to work for that long with one application. It may be a good idea to continue routine preventative treatments even after the initial infestation is under control. Check with your vet and discuss the options. If you’re ready to order a treatment product, take advantage of our pet meds offers to save money on your purchase.
4) Treat Your Home and Property
In addition to sanitizing your home and treating your pet, you may need to treat your home and yard with biological, chemical or botanical agents. There are hundreds of products available. You might wish to consult with a expert at your local home and garden retailer, or perhaps even contact a pest control service on the best course of action. The important thing is to be aware of any dangers associated with such products, and to follow label directions to the letter. Misusing some of these products will put your family and your pet in more danger than that which is posed by the fleas. A balance must be struck between the risks and rewards. Again, your veterinarian will have a great store of knowledge and experience on this issue, so seek his or her advice on the matter.
Outdoor spaces are obviously of concern too. Shorter lawns, well trimmed shrubs, etc., will provide a drier, less welcoming environment for flea larvae. Piles of sand and gravel left for long periods of time on the property are not recommended. Limiting the likelihood of contact between your pet and wild creatures or their habitats is a good idea. If you can keep rodents and birds from making their homes in areas of your property where your pet may roam, you should do so.
It may be a long, tedious process, but it is possible to gain control over fleas and to at least make the problem manageable, if not eliminate it outright. Perseverance and coordination of effort between sanitation and treatment is the key.
Be sure to keep watching this for future posts on how to protect your pets, your family and your home from fleas, ticks, and the dangers they pose. And tell your pets that Meester Dog says hi.