Has your pet been scratching a lot lately? If so, fleas may very well be the culprit. These disgusting parasites aren’t just an itchy nuisance: they can carry disease and other parasites. Severe infestations can also make our furry pals very sick, and can even be fatal! Here, a Roanoke, VA vet offers advice on making fleas flee.
Parasite Control
The best thing you can do to keep your furry friend flea-free is to keep up with his or her parasite control products. There are quite a few different products to choose from, from topical drops to collars to sprays to oral medications. Ask your vet for specific recommendations. No matter what you choose, it’s important to follow the package instructions carefully. Also, never double up on products. This can expose your beloved pet to dangerous levels of pesticides!
Vacuuming
Your vacuum cleaner is also a great tool when it comes to fighting fleas. We recommend doing high-traffic areas and your furry buddy’s favorite lounging spots every day. It only takes a few minutes! Follow up with more thorough cleanings every week. When you are finished vacuuming, empty the canister into a plastic bag, then seal the bag and take it outside for disposal. That way, if you vacuumed up any eggs, they won’t hatch in the house. If you like to take your dog on car rides, you’ll need to vacuum your vehicle out as well.
Landscaping
Keeping up with your property is also very important in the fight against fleas. Fleas love to lurk in tall grasses, so just keeping your grass neatly mowed can help quite a lot. Picking up debris, such as fallen leaves and branches, is also important. These things make very tempting habitats for unwanted guests like fleas and ticks. Birds often carry fleas, so if you have a bird feeder, set it back from your house a bit. Fallen fruit and produce can also be problematic, as it can attract wild animals, who may very well have fleas. Last but not least, if you have shrubs or hedges around your house, keep them trimmed back so the branches don’t touch your walls. This can provide fleas an easy access to your home.
Please reach out to us, your local Roanoke, VA pet hospital, for all of your pet’s veterinary care needs. We are here to help!
