The Watch Dog: Fleas

As the festive days of summer wane in many parts of the country, one little parasite keeps the party hopping in warm, humid areas where he reigns. With nearly 2,000 species and subspecies, the flea thrives at temperatures of 65 to 80 degrees and feeds on the blood of the unsuspecting—especially cats and dogs.

Fleas are hearty and nimble pests, and when searching for a host, they can jump up to two feet, 10,000 times in a row—that adds up to the length of three football fields! They can also cause troublesome health problems in companion animals, such as anemia, skin allergies and tapeworms. These legendary leapers are tough to fight, but the ASPCA offers tips that will rub your pets the right way:

Know your enemy: Confirm your pet has fleas by identifying signs such as droppings or “flea dirt” in your pet’s coat, excessive scratching and scabs.

What goes around comes around: Treat all of your pets, not just those who show outward signs of infestation.

Shine on, pet parent: Thoroughly clean your house, including rugs, bedding and upholstery, and discard any used vacuum bags.

Honor—and trim—nature’s gifts: Since fleas love long grass and shady outdoor spots, remember to treat and maintain your yard as carefully as your house.

Doctor knows best: Talk to your vet about choosing the right, species-specific treatment for your pet, such as a topical, liquid insecticide applied to the back of the neck. Never use products for dogs on cats, and vice versa. Also ask your vet to recommend products for treating your yard.

“Cats especially are extremely sensitive to insecticides, and pets can die from improper use of flea control products,” says Dr. Steven Hansen, veterinary toxicologist & ASPCA Senior Vice President. “Just a few drops of concentrated permethrin, present in many spot-on treatments for dogs, can be lethal to cats.”

To avoid accidents, pet parents should read all product labels and follow directions for proper use. For more information about flea prevention and pet health, please read our top ten medical tips. And enjoy an itch-free end of summer!

Copyright © 2008. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). All Rights Reserved.