It is a never-ending story! That is what most pet owners agree on – preventing fleas from invading your home and pestering your pets is a continuous task. They don’t take summer or winter holidays. Luckily, there are myriad of preventative programmes available on the market and we share some tips with you to make life a little easier.
1. I spy
Always be on the lookout for any signs of ticks or fleas on your pet. A tick might be easier to find and get rid of, but fleas are super spies and have perfected the art of hiding on your pet. For every flea that you see, there are many more in ‘hiding’ in the form of eggs, larvae, pupa or small adult fleas.
Flea eggs are roundish, white and minute, and hardly detectable with the naked eye. Under a microscope they look like rice grains. Flea droppings, or flea dirt, look like fine black pepper on your dog’s skin.
2. Brush and search
Just because you can’t see them, doesn’t mean that your pet doesn’t have fleas. Before you bath your dog, and in between washes, brush your dog’s coat from the roots to the ends. While you brush him, look out for any signs of fleas, like flea dirt or flea eggs.
Don’t confuse dandruff with flea eggs. Dandruff flakes are flattish, white and randomly shaped.
3. Wash
Ask your pet or vet shop for a flea shampoo that will be ideal for your dog’s size and any skin condition he might have. Follow the instructions on the shampoo container carefully, including how often you should bath your dog. Don’t let shampoo get into your dog’s ears or eyes.
4. Comb through
After the bath, while your pet’s coat is still damp, comb his coat section by section. If you see any fleas, remove them with a flea comb.
5. Powder
You can use a preventative flea powder on your dog. Once again, follow the instructions carefully and make sure that the powder will work with your dog’s skin. Some powders should be applied daily, while others can be applied once a week. It is very important that you keep up with applying the powder according to the suggested frequency.
Only apply the powder once your dog’s coat has dried. Apply adequate amounts of the powder on his coat and work it through the hair to his skin. But be careful that he doesn’t get the powder in his face, and especially in his mouth and nose.
6. Spot on
Applying a spot on product is a quick process and normally lasts between one and three months – depending on the product. Remove your dog’s collar for a few minutes. Apply the product directly on his skin – gently pull the hair away with your fingers so that the liquid reaches the skin immediately. Apply the product at the back of his neck, at the base of his skull, where he can’t reach it. Follow the instructions on the packaging carefully and ensure that the product is suitable for your dog’s size.
7. Collar
If you prefer, you can use a preventative flea collar. Speak to your vet and first find out if the collar will work with the other preventative treatment products. Some collars last up to eight months. Make sure that the collar fits your dog comfortably.
8. Keep your house clean
Ideally, vacuum your floors, carpets and furniture every day, especially in the area where your dog spends most of his day. This will also help to keep fleas at bay.
9. Bedding
First vacuum your dog’s bedding before you wash it in a warm washing cycle. You can either tumble dry his bedding or dry it out in the sun.
10. Clean yard
It is difficult to keep your yard free from nasty parasites, but you can ensure that the grass is always trimmed. This will also help to get rid of ticks, who tend to hide in tall grass and low hanging bushes.
