Are You on Top of Fleas?

All dog and cat owners will know that fleas are a real nuisance. If your pet has picked up fleas in the past you’ll also know what they look like and how fast they move. Just when you’ve spotted one and you think you have a hold on it, it’s gone. And it could land on your bed, your carpet, your pet… anywhere you can think of.

Fleas are a problem all year round but they are most prevalent in the spring and summer months. The warmer weather sees the flea population rise since they multiply whenever it is warmer. Since our pets are more often outdoors during this part of the year – and spending longer out there as well – the chances of being affected by them increase.

Therefore it makes sense to do everything you can to prevent your home from being infested with the little troublemakers.

Keep up with regular flea treatments

Make sure you get a good-quality flea treatment recommended by your vet. The cheapest ones available elsewhere aren’t as good and may have little to no effect. It’s worth paying a little more for a good treatment – it could prevent you from having to get a professional in to de-flea your house.

Remember too that cats and dogs can’t have the same treatments. Always make sure you get a good-quality one designed for whatever animal you have. Treating regularly will help build up a defence. Even if your pet is outside frequently any fleas jumping onto it will die before they can do any damage.

Treat your home as well

Responsible pet owners will know how important it is to treat their pets to ward off fleas. However it is just as vital to treat your home as well. You could go out into your garden, get one or two fleas on your shoes and end up tracking them back into your home just as easily as your pet can. This means it is important to keep your home clean.

Wash your pet’s bedding and even your bedding on a regular basis, ideally at a high temperature. Washing at a low temperature will not kill any fleas or the eggs they may have laid there.

Regular vacuuming, sweeping and washing will also ensure you minimise the chances of having to cope with a flea infestation in your home, no matter what time of year it is.