Checking your pet for fleas

Spring not only brings warmer temperatures and gardens coming to life, it can also bring a swathe of unwanted guests… Checking for fleas is all part of owning a pet, advises our head nurse, Estelle.

Fleas are tiny, blood-sucking parasites that jump onto cats, dogs and other pets. They feast on their blood, excrete, mate, and then the females lay eggs at an alarming rate. The eggs aren’t sticky so they often fall off and spread throughout the home.

The best protection against fleas is to use regular vet-recommended flea treatments, which you can get from Wangford Veterinary Practice. If you are a member of our Furry Friends Pet Health Club take a look at the health club flea treatment is included in most packages.

Fleas can carry tapeworm larvae which will then develop inside your pet. They can carry diseases and will irritate your cat, dog, other pets, and humans.

So what do fleas look like?

* Tiny (2-3mm) dark brown, oval-shaped  parasite with legs – they turn lighter brown the more blood they ingest.> If they’re big enough, you might see fleas jumping on/off your pet, or even onto you.

* Fleas excrete the blood they ingest, leaving ‘flea dirt’ behind.

* They can carry diseases and will irritate your cat, dog, other pets, and humans.

How to check your pet for fleas & flea dirt

Watch out for signs that your pet might have fleas:

a. Excessive scratching, licking and biting at themselves.

b. Bald patches of fur, due to scratching.

c. Small bumps on the skin/scabs around the groin/tummy due to scratching.

d. Tiny black/brown spots on your pet’s skin or in their fur.

e. Your pet may seem to be restless, agitated and irritable.

Using a flea comb with special narrow –set teeth and run is slowly through your pet’s fur, playing special attention and parting the fur in places where you think the fleas may be hiding.

Estelle’s Top tips:

a. Put a piece of white paper next to your pet when you are combing so any potential flea dirt falls onto the paper – when wet, flea dirt turns a reddish brown colour.

b. Have a bowl of warm soapy water handy so you can put any fleas that come off in the comb straight into the water.

If you find fleas on your pet, check when they last had their flea treatment and if they’re overdue, give it to them right away. You can also get additional flea products to treat your home.

If you would like more help or advice, give us a call on 01502 578999 to make an appointment for our nurse clinic.