What You Need to Know About Flea Prevention and Medication
If you have a pet, you need to learn about preventing and treating fleas. In this article, we are going to look at why it’s so important to prevent fleas and how that can be done. We will also cover different treatment methods that successfully kill fleas.
Why Flea Prevention is Important
Preventing fleas is far better than dealing with them once they’ve taken over. Here are some reasons why:
- Prevention is easier and cheaper than treatment;
- Fleas make your pet miserable by causing itching and scratching;
- Fleas and ticks can cause hair loss, infections, Lyme Disease, Ehrlichia, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and tick paralysis;
- Cystic tapeworms may end up in your pet’s GI tract if fleas are present.
Conventional Flea Control
Controlling fleas can be done conventionally or naturally. Let’s start by looking at conventional methods.
Conventional Flea Control
Controlling fleas can be done conventionally or naturally. Let’s start by looking at conventional methods.
Conventional Prevention
Preventing fleas the conventional way requires choosing the right products and giving your pet the correct dosage. Ask your vet for help.
Here are three different types of products available:
- Oral Flea Control
- Topical Flea Control
- Flea Collars
Conventional Treatment
If your pet gets fleas, there are several conventional treatment options.
TOPICAL FLEA MEDICATION
Topical flea medication comes in various forms:
- Shampoo – The effects last for about a day. Should be used along with additional treatment options.
- Powder – This works for about a week. Should also be used with additional treatment options.
- Spot-on treatments – Kills fleas at every stage of life for up to 30 days.
FLEA PILLS
This method is quick and effective. Some pills eradicate fleas in four hours. But be aware of the potential side effects.
This method is quick and effective.
FLEA COLLARS
These collars release flea-killing chemicals. Make sure to buy one created for treatment purposes instead of accidentally purchasing a flea prevention collar.
Natural Flea Control
Don’t like the idea of using chemicals? No worries! You can use natural methods instead.
Natural Prevention
Here are a few ways to prevent fleas the natural way.
Healthy Diet
The healthier your pet is, the less likely fleas will be attracted to your furball. The best way to improve your pet’s health is to feed a healthy diet that provides all the necessary nutrients.
Seek guidance from a trusted professional when deciding which food is best for your pet.
Natural Flea Repellents
You can buy chemical-free products made of essential oils that repel fleas. Just be careful to choose products that are pet-safe.
Geraniol oil might be particularly effective against fleas since the geranium plant has a history of being used to protect homes from pests.
This oil is even more powerful than the plant in accomplishing this goal. Find a geraniol oil created specifically for flea prevention.
You could also try applying Neem products to the neck, chest, and belly of your pet. Once again, be sure to find a product created for flea prevention.
Natural Treatment
If your pet gets fleas, here are some effective natural remedies to try.
Natural Flea Powders
Natural flea powders that are devoid of chemicals are available on the market. The powders are made of calcium carbonate and pet-friendly essential oils. They work hard to annihilate fleas without harming your pet.
Flea Combs
During your battle to get rid of fleas, brush your pet with a flea comb every day. Combine this tactic with another natural flea treatment method.
Use the comb to collect fur from your pet. Press moist paper towels against the comb to see if it produces any red spots on the towels. If so, that means fleas are present.
Keep combing your pet so that you can collect more fleas, then toss those fleas into soapy water where they will drown. Adding soap to the water is essential since fleas can survive and escape from plain water.
Bathing with Natural Flea Shampoo
If your pet gets fleas, try giving your four-legged friend a bath. You can purchase a natural anti-flea shampoo that will fight against the infestation.
Treat Your Home
Don’t forget about the need to treat your home. Follow these guidelines:
- Vacuum every nook and cranny of your home and immediately empty the vacuum outside. Wash the canister with hot, soapy water.
- Clean your pet’s bed and blankets.
- Either use insecticides inside your home (seek advice from your veterinarian) or use non-chemical options.
- Some non-toxic options include diatomaceous earth and boric acid products.
Remember, it’s ideal to prevent fleas from getting to your pet. But there are many different treatment options if you should ever need them. Do your best to protect your pet, but take comfort in knowing that you can conqueror flea infestations.
About the Author:
Savanna Westwood
Savanna Westwood is the Owner and Founder of The Savvy Sitter, Pet Sitting and Dog Walking, LLC. She has grown up with animals all her life and enjoys spending time with them. Savanna has lived in the Winter Garden and Windermere Area for over 30 years. When she is not taking care of Fur Friends, one can find her reading, practicing archery, riding, and devising ways to provide additional and excellent services to clients. Savanna is a Certified Professional Pet Sitter with Pet Sitter International's CPPS certification and also holds certification in Pet First Aid and CPCR for Pet-Care Professionals.