Fleas Suck – Medical Minute

Resource: WebMD

Did you know that a single flea jumping on your pet could lead to thousands of fleas in your home within a couple of weeks?

Fleas Suck

“Fleas suck! You don’t want fleas in your house.” – A direct quote from our own Dr. Matt McGlasson.

Fleas are everywhere, and if one flea jumps on your pet it will start feeding on your pet’s blood within five minutes and will lay thousands of eggs within the first week. Not only are fleas just really gross, but they’re actually quite dangerous to your pets. The soft, warm fur of dogs and cats provides the perfect environment for fleas.

Fleas can lead to life threatening anemia in your kittens and puppies; they can cause tapeworm infection, cat scratch fever, and feline infectious anemia. Further, a flea bite may trigger an allergic reaction in your pet. Signs to look out for include intense itching, hair loss, scabs, and red, irritated skin, which may lead to skin infections.

And fleas don’t just like your pets. They can jump from your pet’s fur or bedding onto your skin.

Keep Fleas Off Your Pet and Out of Your Home

Fleas, while a huge pest, are actually super easy to prevent if you take preventative measures. At Noah’s Ark Animal Clinic, we have lots of options that are both safe and effective for your furry friends. The treatment will vary depending on if you have a dog or a cat, how old your pet is, and what size they are. Some pets do really well with chewable tablets, some need topical solutions. However you choose to treat your pet, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

While fleas are more common during the warmer months, you can take steps to ward them off any time of year. Give us a call and we can help you ensure your house stays a flea-free zone!