SUMMER is officially considered as flea season and these tiny pests often thrive in places with a humidity of 75 to 85 percent. During this season, fleas can lay up to 28 eggs per day and can live off of pets for an average of six weeks. Hence, pet owners must immediately take action if they find their pets constantly scratching itself. Veterinarians remind owners never to underestimate fleas because some may cause paralysis which may even lead to death.
The Pet Food Institute (PFI), representing U.S. pet food and treat manufacturers, reinforces its commitment to educate the Filipino pet community about nutrition and proper pet care as they share ways on how pet owners can protect their pets from fleas this summer.
Prevention is the first step in helping to keep your pet healthy and fee from fleas. Regularly visit a veterinarian and discuss the best monthly preventive medicine.
Medicated baths are also an option for dogs with fleas. Several shampoos in the market have been scientifically formulated to get rid of ticks and fleas. After giving the dogs a bath, owners should brush through their pet’s fur in order to make sure that they got rid of all the fleas and its eggs.
Veterinarians remind owners that dogs and cats are different from each other hence products designed for dogs should not be used on cats and vice-versa.
While conducting a flea check on cats, owners must remember to watch out for any signs of movement in their fur to determine the exact spot where fleas are hiding. In order to get rid of fleas and its eggs on their cat’s fur, cat owners may comb through their pets with a flea comb or a fine-tooth metal comb, a give their cat a medicated bath, and follow a regular preventive care program.
Most pet owners focus all their efforts on getting rid of the fleas found in their pets that they often forget to eliminate the ones found in their home.
Owners must regularly wash their pet’s beddings and vacuum the house, especially the carpets, in order to get rid of any flea that might be hiding in there. (PR)