FLEAS

Contained in this section is a complete dossier designed to help you make a positive decision on flea control in the home and to alleviate the distressing side effects of fleas on the dog and cat.

THE PROBLEM WITH FLEAS
The flea season is upon us - literally!

I will explain a few things about fleas and also dispel some myths.

Before central heating, fleas were seasonal. The warm Spring weather used to spring into life every bug, fly and creepy crawly you could think of.

Included in this melee was the FLEA.

The Autumn used to sound the death knell of the flea, so the dogs had some reprieve and I would say that to some extent this is still true today, especially with dogs that are kept outside if not all, then most of the time.

The flea can cause some of the most nasty skin problems (see skin problems). Apart from scratching, the flea can live quite happily on the dog without causing the dog any discomfort. Dogs have always been able to live with fleas, providing there are not too many! Fleas can be picked up anywhere you take your dog.

On the park where other dogs go, or a house that has cats wither inside or in their garden - did you know that the dog flea is very rarely seen, most fleas are cat fleas?

Dog shows or anywhere your dog can come into contact with other dogs is where the flea hobby of dog hopping commences!

I know I am making light of the subject, but fleas are nothing to be ashamed of. It doesn't mean that you as the owner are in anyway dirty or your house, but you are under obligation as a dog owner to make sure that you are doing your utmost to keep your dog clean and healthy.

THE LIFE CYCLE OF THE FLEA

The flea is a blood-sucking parasite whose whole life cycle revolves around the dog and his environment.

To simplify it, the flea feeds off the dog - it lays it's eggs in the dog's bedding or wherever the dog sleeps - the larvae hatch and live in furniture and carpets - then mature into adult fleas. Then the cycle starts all over again. The eggs can remain dormant for many months or years, so can the larvae. Nature certainly made sure of their survival.

Remember, the flea doesn't live on the dog all the time. You may not see a flea but look for black specks on the skin or use a flea comb - the black specks are flea dirt!

FLEA COLLARS 

I can remember when these first arrived on the market. Everyone used them - what a marvellous idea and they were very effective and people still use them especially on cats. 

Some dogs and cats show a reaction to the insecticide and of course, the collar should be removed straight away. 

Apparently, they were not successful in completely eradicating all of the fleas as we started to get reports of fleas living only on the lower body and tail, but not around the neck, although I have never read anything to verify this. 

(Also, I didn't think that fleas were that intelligent - they do not check to see if there is a collar on before hopping!) 

Some of these collars state that they have 12 weeks life. The theory is that the insecticide works it's way through the coat so you do not and must not use with other flea sprays while the collar is on. 

Here again, it is a matter for the individual. 

I can remember going to visit a dog that was losing weight; his coat was dull and lifeless, he was very down and beginning to get grumpy.  He was a brindle Boxer and when I saw him his eyes were running and he looked rough! 

I sat on the settee and I was wearing a white jumper.  I couldn't help noticing that the poor dog could not settle.  He was up and down and turning around and scratching. 

I called him over and stroked him and as I was looking at him one of his stripes appeared to be moving!  I looked even closer, moved his fur and a sea of fleas moved through his fur! 

I jumped back with such a shout, which frightened the dog, which shot under the coffee table up ending the tea, coffee and biscuits all over the place.  I made a rapid retreat as my white jumper was becoming speckled with fleas.  I shot up to the bathroom, removed my jumper on the excuse it was wet.  I then advised on flea control plus a visit to the Vet! 

Within a month, the dog had improved to such an extent that behavioural training was not needed. 

This was an extreme case, but the lady was too ashamed to seek help - but that poor dog. 

So the responsibility is YOURS. 

PS   While I am writing this I am scratching because of the memory! 

ERADICATING THE FLEA FROM YOUR HOME

Once you have freed your pet dog or cat - remember you must treat all the pets in the home - then you have to look at the home and then outside the premises. 

There are all sorts of sprays on the market for the home and furnishings.  It is important that where the pet sleeps is dealt with. Blankets must be washed and baskets washed in a solution of detergent or disinfectant.  A solution of disinfectant works well on floors and baskets. It also deters fleas. 

Make sure you follow the instructions carefully.  One of the main flea deterents is your vacuum cleaner.  Make sure you vacuum your carpets, furniture, beds, and all around the skirting boards - these are all places where the eggs and larvae hide. Regular vacuuming helps considerably. 

COMPOUNDS, KENNELS, RUNS 

If you dogs are kept in a compound or run in the garden then you must treat these areas. You must also treat any kennels or sleeping quarters. 

If the run is concrete based or slabs, then spray or rinse down with a solution of disinfectant, which helps to cleanse and deter fleas and flies. 

Kennels should be washed down or sprayed at the same time and make sure you get into all the nooks and crannies.

 It is a good idea to cleanse these areas at least once a week.  In the summer, I cleanse my runs everyday.  Last thing at night, so in the morning it is nice and fresh for my dogs to go into after their exercise.  

I also use a disinfectant solution wherever my dogs cock their leg, also where my girls squat. It neutralises the very strong odour of urine and I know that I don't need to worry about children playing. There is nothing worse that sitting in your garden and there is a strong smell of urine.  So, a good cleansing routine in the home and kennels and garden will deter fleas and flies and much more! 

Remember,
ALWAYS follow instructions on any solution you use. 
Bleaches and disinfectants and detergents can
irritate your dog's and cat's paws 
(don't forget that cats lick their paws). 

Remember that fleas are an all year round problem.

Work out a good flea control routine that suits you -

It is your responsibility to keep your pets clean and to rid them of the misery of fleas.

I can remember a friend of mine who had the most gorgeous litter of puppies and she had asked her husband to disinfect the puppy run. I paid a visit, they were all in their basket - we called them and they were unhappy and wouldn't come to us. We put them on the floor and they walked as if the run floor was red hot!

I checked their paws and they were so sore, we immediately soaked them in cool water, and they very quickly recovered. I can't say that for the husband!

Never use anything that is caustic and always be careful with bleach and always make sure the kennels and runs are dry or nearly dry before returning your dogs.

If you are experiencing any problems with flea control or any flea related problem, please do not hesitate to email us for advice.

problems@worldofdogs.cc

© Janet Wesley

If you have any problems, email us for advice. Training@worldofdogs.cc