At Home Pet Flea Control

Jeff Conner | November 20th, 2009

Let’s face it, your dog will eventually be infested with fleas. It might not happen today, it might not happen tomorrow, but it will always happen at some point. Here’s a few tips to keep in mind for when that day does come.

The easiest way to spot fleas will be at the base of their tails and also behind their ears. For some reason that ear location is pretty popular amongst fleas, so keep an eye out for it. You can also try to keep an eye out for their droppings, which look like strange bits of dust/dirt and will probably accumulate near your dogs stomach

Everyone tends to have their own ways of treating flea and tick infestations, but most experts will agree that its hardly a situation warranting the involvement of your vet. There have been numerous scares regarding prescription flea treatments in addition to the rising cost of performing them and you’re better off using the easy-to-use, inexpensive at-home products designed to safely get rid of any flea infestation.

Once your pet has had a bout with fleas or ticks, it’s imperative that you maintain proper cleaning routines for both your car as well as your entire house. Flea larvae can live for up to a year semi-hidden in any of these places so it’s important to try and get them while they’re dormant. Focus on area in or around any open-space heaters (i.e. radiators) and in-between doorways. Above all, don’t forget to also treat your pet’s sleeping/bedding area as well, otherwise you’ll run the risk of re-infestation.

Dog fleas are very indiscriminate and will infest a clean healthy dog just as much as the dirty neglected pet. Flea bites can cause extreme irritation to the dog. Some dogs can also become allergic to the flea saliva which is injected into the skin every time the flea bites. As well as the irritation of the flea bite they are are also the intermediate host of the tapeworm.

At one time flea infestations were confined to the summer months but nowadays with more and more homes being centrally heated this is no longer the case. Fleas like warmth and will lay their eggs in the gap between the skirting board and the carpet, between the floorboards, in the pile of fitted carpets and in the dogs bedding and basket.

Contrary to popular belief, fleas don’t actually live on your pet, they only use them as a source of food. They’ll primarily live in small places all around your home and car. This way they can lay in wait for their next victim, whether it’s your pet or even if it’s you. To a flea, you are just as tasty looking as your canine companion.

Only by paying close attention to flea control will you be able to ensure that your dog is kept clear of these prolific parasites. One of the best ways to prevent fleas from become a problem in your home is to regularly use the vacuum cleaner.

Looking to find the best deal on dog flea control, then visit www.youronlinepetsupply.com to find the best advice on pet care products for your four-legged friend.

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