What to Do if Your Pet Has Fleas

Imagine cuddling your itchy pet one day just to notice tiny mystery bugs in their fur. You start to panic. Oh no! Are they fleas? Will my animal be ok? They’re probably all over the house by now! 

Don’t worry! 

Chances are, you’ve heard horror stories about someone’s cat or dog being perpetually plagued by these frustrating little creatures. It can happen; but it doesn’t have to be that way forever. Truth be told, there are things you can do to get rid of fleas. The secret is early identification and swift, continuous action. 

Identify Fleas

Fleas come in four forms: eggs, larvae, pupae and adults. 

Flea eggs are extremely small. They are covered with a soft, white shell called chorion. These will be very hard to identify if you’re not looking for them and often slip into hairs, carpets and cracks in sofas. 

Larvae hatch from the eggs. They look like tiny white worms, ranging from 2 to 5 mm in length. Larvae build up their nutrition and then transition into pupae. 

Pupae form after the larvae spin cocoons. The forming fleas lie dormant as they transition from larvae to pupae and finally to adult fleas inside their cocoons. 

Adult fleas shed their cocoon and emerge ready to eat. Since they’re between 1.5 - 3.3 mm long, adult fleas are still relatively hard to see; however, it’s much easier to identify fleas during the adult stage of their lifestyle than the other three stages. If you see small, dark brown pests crawling in your pet’s fur, you probably have a flea problem. 

Steps to Rid Your Pet of Fleas

1. Take Your Animal to the Vet Immediately. A vet can officially confirm the flea diagnosis and prescribe the appropriate treatment for your pet’s situation. Treatment options include, but are not limited to, oral medications, sprays and drops. 

 

1. Take Action in Your Home. Treatments for your pet will only be effective if you can eradicate the flea issue at large. Chances are, fleas in all stages of the life cycle are in your house. Thoroughly vacuum all floors, carpet and furniture. Steam clean everything if possible as well. You also need to run ALL clothes and bedding through a hot washing machine cycle or two. 

After cleaning, the home needs to be treated with flea extermination products. This can be an intensive process. Products you find at the store may not do the job. It’s best to have professionals with experience, like Fox Pest Control’s Pest Pros, service the home. They will perform an extensive treatment and answer any questions you have. If a follow-up visit is needed, they’ll let you know. 

1. Repeat. Flea extermination calls for continuous action. It’s not a one-and-done scenario. Keep following your vet’s instruction with your pet, and continue to clean and be aware of what’s being brought inside your home. Continual pest control services will also help keep the fleas away. 

No Fleas, No Worries

By following this advice, you can get your flea situation under control. Your cat or dog will be back to normal in no time. It just takes a little hard work, consistency and trust in the professionals. Now’s the time to enjoy your pet.

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​Fox Pest Control. No Bugs, Simply Better. ​

Article contributed by Latessa Jacobs, Fox Pest Control 

Visit their website on www.foxpest-midland.com or call them at (432) 653-5264