Flea control - getting rid of fleas and ticks
Dog Flea Control Ctenocephalides canis. Strange sounding words aren't they? That is what the common dog flea is called and it also feeds on humans, cats, and other animals. These parasites are tenacious and remarkably agile creatures. Fleas have existed since prehistoric times and have been found in artic as well as tropical climates all over the world. An interesting fact about the flea is - they can jump 150 times the length of their miniscule bodies, and that makes them difficult to catch and kill.
If your dog has fleas not only will you have to treat him, but his entire environment as well, so you'll be attacking the problem on two fronts. Simply put, fleas must be controlled on your dog, and fleas must be controlled in your dog's environment. Since dogs and cats share the same fleas, if there is a cat in the home, then he will need to be treated as well. Many dog owners try to eradicate the problem by starting with fleas on their dog, stop there - and in due time realize the flea problem hasn't been solved. The bottom line is just treating the dog will not work! Fleas are resilient, hardy, determined, and have several stages to its life cycle.
For every flea you see on your dog, there are many more at different stages of their life cycle (egg, larvae, pupae) in your carpet, furniture, and the cracks and crevices of your home. Obviously, simply treating your dog for fleas will not get rid of the problem. If
your dog is itching, then there's a simple procedure to determine
if fleas are the cause. Generally, fleas can be seen scurrying along
the surface of your dog's skin, they are a dark copper color and
about the size of the head of a pin. Because fleas dislike light
your best chance of spotting them is to quickly turn your dog over
and look for them within furry areas and on your dog's belly and
inner thighs. If you do not find them there, look on the back just
in front of the tail. Be sure to part the hair and look at the level
of the skin. Flea
dirt may be your only evidence of a flea infestation or flea invasion.
Now you want to develop a flea control strategy to begin the war
on the pests. Environmental
control is probably the more important of the two. Adult fleas on
your dog account for as little as 5% of the total flea population.
Fleas can be shared by cats and dogs, so if you have a cat, it also
must be treated. Your plan must involve more than just treating
your dog, since most of a flea's life cycle is spent off the dog. Flea
Control - outdoor prevention
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