It’s that time of year when the sun stays out late, shorts and tank-tops become universally accepted attire and winter is forever away. It’s summer! This is great news for you and our dog as you’ll be able to take advantage of the long days and the great weather. Unfortunately, this is also great news for fleas as well. Summer is the time when various pests and parasites reign supreme. Fleas are one the worst and multiply quickly in this warm weather. As a pet owner, you’re probably all-too familiar with the process of trying to prevent fleas from even getting on your dog in the first place. However, sometimes it’s impossible to be completely vigilant all the time. If you or someone you know is dealing with a flea problem on your dog or in your home, here is a condensed “how to” on the steps you need to take for getting rid of dog fleas for good.
Treat your Dog First
This is a no brainer really, but don’t forget to give relief to your pup as soon as possible. Letting fleas go unchecked can lead to serious health problems for your pooch. Additionally, fleas lay their eggs on their hosts – meaning your dog is a veritable walking incubator waiting to spawn thousands of other bloodsucking jumpers. Wash them, ask your vet about best treatment options, and be absolutely vigilant. Your dog deserves it!
Identify the Source
So you’ve noticed some fleas on your pooch? They had to have picked them up from somewhere. Think – did you take them to the park recently, have they just been hanging outside in the backyard much of the time, or did they recently have a playdate with another dog? The sooner you can pinpoint the source, the more effective you efforts in preventing them from coming back will be. Maybe you stop playdates until the other owner also treats their dog, or perhaps you need to have pest control come out to treat your property.
Declare War on the Home
After identifying the source and rendering aid to your four-legged friend, it’s now time for a full scale assault on your living space. A flea can lay up to 400 eggs at a time and those eggs usually fall off onto carpets, couches, rugs, clothes, and other nooks and crannies. Remember, for every flea you see, you’re only seeing 5% of the total problem. That means 95% of the population is alive and well in the egg and larval stage – too small to see – but there all the same. Start with washing all bedding, clothes, and steam-cleaning your carpets. It’s possible you may have to throw some items away. Take it up another step by carpet bombing the house with any number of flea treatment aerosol products. Just make sure you have somewhere to go for an entire day or so.
Need some additional dog grooming?
You’re not alone in the fight on fleas! We offer full service dog washing and dog grooming services. From hair trims to shampoos, we’ve got you covered here at the ranch. If you need backup – give us a call!
Sources
http://www.orkin.com/other/fleas/
http://www.catsofaustralia.com/fleasgetridof.htm
