To Flea or Not to Flea…That is the Question!

As pet owners, we all know the importance of keeping fleas off of our pets. They lay eggs and multiply in no time. An infestation of these critters is not what we want in our homes. Aside from the over-the-counter methods, here are some all natural tips on flea and also tick prevention:

• Regularly bathe your pet with natural cleaners
• Vacuum the home once a week. Empty the bag and dispose of its contents
• Wash pet bedding in hot, soapy water once a week
• Frequently use a fine-toothed flea comb on your pet

Thankfully, there are many safe, effective, and easy to administer flea control products. These products are usually administered orally in tablet (or liquid) form or topically by applying it between the shoulder blades or at the back of your pet's neck. Only use flea treatments for dogs on dogs and cat treatment for cats on cats.

Some flea control products are only active against adult fleas, where other products can also target the eggs and larvae. (Itching just writing this!) In some cases, your vet may recommend more than one product in order to most effectively kill fleas and break the flea life cycle. Pesky ones they are.

Once an infestation starts, fleas can be super difficult to get rid of. You may need to treat your pet repeatedly. In addition, fleas must be completely removed from the affected pet’s environment. This is why all other animals in the house must also be treated with flea products, and the house and yard may need to be treated as well. It's a whole lot of work, but worth it.

As we mentioned, vacuuming rugs, throwing out old pet bedding, and washing other items will also help remove fleas from your pet’s area and your home.