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Summer in the Northwest is an especially important time to make sure you and your pets are protected from fleas. During the warmer months, fleas reproduce much more rapidly so problems can develop very quickly. Many are unaware of a flea problem until a full-blown infestation sets in, simply because they aren’t seeing any fleas on their pets. It is important to understand that 95% of a flea population is not adult fleas, but rather different stages of eggs and larvae that develop in the environment rather than on pets. Regular vacuuming and washing of bedding can help, but by itself will not be effective at eliminating the pests from your home. Many outdoor areas harbor fleas and their eggs, so every
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time a pet goes outside, he may become freshly contaminated. Contact with other animals, whether wild or domesticated, is also an opportunity for contamination. The only method proven safe and effective is to medicate your pet monthly with a flea control product sold by a veterinarian. If treatment is just being started, it may take a few months to completely eradicate the problem from your home, and since re-infestation can occur year-round, it is recommended that your pet stay on monthly flea control. It is much easier to prevent an infestation than to get rid of one. Fleas may seem like a harmless nuisance, but if left untreated, can result in skin infections, allergic reactions, tapeworms, and in severe cases, significant blood loss and death.
