It is summer time and everybody is outside enjoying the nice weather, even the fleas. They are mainly just a nuisance to both the dog and the owner. Fleas and are in the environment all year round in some areas because it takes a heavy frost to kill them, but are more of a problem in the summertime because people and their dogs are out and more active at this time of year. So, because of this the importance of flea prevention is greater in the summer, but important all year round.
Fleas are very small (the size of a head of a pin) dark brown to copper colored insect with very strong back legs. Their strong back legs allow them to easily jump from one host to another very easily. They prefer warm temperatures of 65-80 degrees and humidity of 75-85% which is why in some areas they can be a constant threat year round. One female flea can lay 20 to 30 eggs a day and can lay hundreds of eggs in her lifetime. The eggs fall off of the dog and into the carpets and crevices of your floor where they hatch and grow from larva to pupa to adult. The time period that this takes to happen depends on the temperature, humidity and availability of a host. It is important to use flea prevention all year round because if there are any flea eggs in your house, they can hatch at any time the conditions are right.
You can check your dog for fleas by combing them with a very fine tooth comb or a flea comb to see if you comb out any actual fleas, "flea dirt" or eggs. Flea dirt is actually flea feces that is comprised of digested blood. Flea dirt looks like pepper and the eggs, which are very hard to see, look like very small grains of salt. To see if the pepper like substance you are finding is actually flea dirt, shake some on a wet paper towel and see if it turns red. If it does, then your dog has fleas and needs flea prevention!
Flea bites on your dog can lead to hair loss, flea allergic dermatitis, which is a secondary skin infection and inflammation, as well as drive the owner nuts listening to their dog scratch all of the time. Some dogs are so allergic to flea bites that one bite can cause them to scratch themselves raw. Flea bites on humans are usually around the ankles and lower legs and present as tiny red, VERY itchy bumps.
If you suspect or know for sure that your dog has fleas, you need to treat every animal in your house for fleas, as well as treating your house and possibly your yard.
To treat your house, you will need a primes spray such as Knockout to spray on all of the carpeted and cloth surfaces that your dog spends time on. You will also want to wash all of the linens such as dog beds, sofa and furniture covers, and your bed sheets and comforters if your dog sleeps with you in hot soapy water. Vacuuming frequently to suck up flea eggs and the occasional flea that is looking for a new host, and then getting rid of the bag or emptying the canister and washing it out well will help as well. Steam cleaning your carpets will get rid of some of the larvae too. If you are not successful at getting rid of fleas in your house, contact a professional exterminator for advice as well.
Since your dog picks up fleas mostly from being outside, it is important to keep your grass mowed short and trim branches so that sunlight hits the grass. Fleas like dark warm places, so cutting down on the places for them to hide outside is best. Applying a product to your lawn that kills or repels fleas is also helpful as well. You can also contact your local lawn care company to have them treat your yard as well.
The importance of flea prevention is not only important for the health of your dog, but the health of the owner as well.Fleas are hard to get rid of once you have them, so don't get them in the first place!
For more helpful articles about your dogs training care and behavior, please visit http://www.dog-training-care-behavior.com
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