Fleas…The Undead
So… it’s cold outside, the snow is piled high; nightly lows consistently dip below 32 degrees. As a pet owner you might ask…Why do I still have to control fleas on my pet? It is a major misconception that fleas will cease to exist when the snow flies. Some adult fleas will die when exposed to low temps, however their offspring in the form of eggs, larva, and pupa are only dormant, and their life cycle is reactivated when they come in contact with the warmth of your home or pet.
Misconception
My pet only goes outside to potty or not at all; they can’t get fleas, right?
Wrong! That assumption is one of the biggest misconceptions about fleas.Fleas lie dormant outside your home but can be tracked into the home on the bottom of shoes, your pet’s feet, or by other wildlife such as mice, chipmunks, and squirrels that may be taking refuge in or around your home. The warm conditions in your home will bring these fleas to maturity, and they will reproduce quickly causing an infestation. A single flea can bite you or your pet up to 400 times in one day according to the FDA. Fleas are responsible for the spread of the bubonic plague (deadly if not treated), rickettsia typhi (more commonly known as spotted fever), bartonella henselae (cat scratch fever), fleas allergies (largely responsible for hot spots or bacterial dermatitis), tape worm, and anemia.
Prevention
If you want to prevent your pets from getting fleas, you have to understand that flea control is necessary year round. Flea control is a big business and there are many options available. Pets without protection suffer the discomfort of flea bites and are in danger of spreading disease.
A conversation with your veterinarian or groomer will help you find the best solution for you and your family. Prevention is available topically via “spot on” treatments and this will usually last 28 days. This type of protection is also available orally in the form of pills.
Over the counter prevention is also available in the form of powders and collars. Many organic products are also available for sensitive pets and people. Please be aware that most flea products are compromised by water and may need to be reapplied. Do this only after discussing the situation with a veterinarian or other pet care professional to avoid overdosing your pet
The Solution
The good news is that you are not doomed if you discover that you have an infestation. I am here to tell you that it happens to the best of us. If you notice fleas on your pet, immediately seek help.
Dogs and cats will require a flea bath to kill the fleas that live on them. A preventative measure should then be applied. While the animals are being treated, the house itself should be “bombed” or a pest professional should be called. After treating the house, all bedding should be washed (yours and your pets), carpets vacuumed, and floors swept. Be sure to empty the vacuum or toss out vacuum bags.
In addition to treating the inside of you home, don’t skip the yard and house perimeter. There are lawn sprays and powders available over the counter and professional pest control services available to handle this job. Sometimes a second round is necessary to break the cycle. The task of taking care of your flea problem can be both costly and time consuming, but absolutely necessary in solving the problem. Once you have the fleas under control, DO NOT stop treatments! This will only start the nasty cycle over again.
The Bottom Line…Cold weather is NOT reliable flea control!
Author: Michelle Toth
Michelle "Shell" Toth is a lifelong resident of Geauga County and is the owner of Shell's Dog Design in Newbury. She is a member of the International Professional Groomers, Inc. and has 30 years of experience in the pet care industry. Shell's Dog Design is committed to responsible pet care solutions and has a pet style for every lifestyle.