Flea infestations of our domestic pets can be a continual problem for both them and their owners. Flea bites can cause quite severe reactions in both animals and humans alike, and can also cause anaemia in heavily infested young and old animals. Fleas are much more of a problem during the warmer months of the year, however animals kept inside in a warm environment during winter can still harbour these nasty bloodsuckers.

Clinical Signs

Clinical signs of flea bites are varied. Some animals may have large flea populations yet show no adverse effects, while an animal that is sensitive to fleas may have a pronounced inflammatory response (redness, itching, hair loss) to a single flea bite. Identifying these parasites or their faeces in the animal's coat makes diagnosis of fleas easy. However, for conditions other than simple infestation, veterinary advice should be sought.

Treatment

There are numerous preparations that aid in the control of adult fleas, however, we recommend the use of both Frontline and Stronghold. Both of these products kill adult fleas, and both are available as monthly 'spot-on' preparations. Frontline remains effective with repeated exposure to water (when applied in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions), and is also available in a spray form, which is also useful for tick prevention. We can advise you as to the suitability of either of these treatments for your pet, in addition to other products available.

Environment

It is also important to treat the pet's environment when aiming to control fleas. Bedding should be washed regularly and allowed to dry thoroughly each time. Kennels should be protected from the elements and well ventilated. Regular vacuuming of all areas of the house to which pets have access will keep eggs and developing fleas to a minimum, and where infestations are especially bad, we recommend using household flea sprays such as Indorex. One use of this product will protect the environment from flea infestation for up to 12 months.

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