How can I diagnose and control fleas on my pet?

            When a pet is seen scratching regularly, flea infestation can often be the cause.  This sign can sometimes be more noticeable in dogs than cats, who are usually more discreet in displaying a flea problem.  A flea problem can be confirmed in several ways:

j Examine the pet with a strong light for evidence of adult fleas or flea feces (looks like fine-ground black pepper). k Comb the pet with a very fine tooth comb that traps fleas & feces. l Moisten combings on a white paper towel: flea feces will turn a red-brown color as digested blood dissolves.  After confirming that your pet has fleas, make sure you cover all the bases in eliminating them.  Keep in mind that you will likely need to treat your house and/or yard, as well as your pet!  First, to take care of your pet, we recommend Advantage or Frontline.  Both of these products kill adult fleas on your pet, but Advantage also kills the flea larvae on your pet and Frontline kills flea eggs and flea larvae on your pet (as well as ticks).  But that only covers your pet! 

Don't forget your home & yard!  

            Using either of these products for several months will eventually rid your pet and home of fleas (because of the timing of the flea life cycle), but you probably don't want to wait that long!  A better way to battle a flea infestation is to treat your house and/or yard at the same time you treat your pet.  Using sprays such as Siphotrol Plus II, treat areas where your pet spends a lot of time (bedding, furniture, under that favorite tree) as well as carpets, rugs, drapes, under furniture, etc.  Do this at the same time as treating your pet with one of those topical flea killers and you'll be well on your way to wiping out your flea infestation!

 

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