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Dog Health Fleas
Dogs

Fleas

Published 28th Mar 2020

Fleas are parasites that feed on blood. Dog fleas cannot live on humans but will often bite us before realising their mistake. Many dogs suffer from flea allergy dermatitis. This means that they are allergic to the saliva of the flea and may continue to itch even after the flea is gone.

Know Your Enemy

At any point in time, only 5% of the flea population in your house is actively on your dog. This means that if you treat them and kill 20 fleas, there are still 380 ready to jump back on.

50% of the flea population is still in egg form. These eggs are resistant to flea products and will hatch in approximately 2 weeks. They can also lie dormant in the environment for as long as a year, waiting for the right conditions to hatch.

Treat the Environment First
That is why it’s so important to treat the whole house and not just your pet. Start by vacuuming – you will remove a great deal of eggs, larvae and adults this way. Along the baseboards, all over and under the furniture, and any bedding. When washing bedding, use hot water.  The heat retards the eggs and distorts their growth, making it more difficult to hatch.

Use a flea product designed for inside, such as a bomb, fogger or aerosol, to eradicate any remaining fleas and their eggs.

Keep Up to Date
There are many products available to treat fleas. Using them regularly will help to create a flea free environment for you and your dog.

Monthly tablets or chews are quick and easy, and are extremely effective.  These can range from a one off treatment to a monthly pill.

If your pet is fussy about what goes in their mouth, try a spot on treatment  These will also kill fleas for up to a month and are required to be squeezed on the skin at the back of their neck. No baths or swimming for 48 hours before or after application.

Flea control sprays or rinses might also suit you and last for a week.

Preventing Re-infestation
Every time you take your dog out of your home, or your dog runs in your yard it can pick up more fleas, especially if you live in an area where bandicoots and possums frequent.  Each time your dog plays with another dog it can pick up fleas.  The only way to ensure the effect of fleas is minimized, is to follow the previously mentioned steps and to physically check your dogs for evidence of fleas, such as their “dirt”.

Please speak to one of our store team members, for advice on specific products.

PURCHASE ACCEPTANCE

Please Note: "CUSTOMER SELF DECLARATION" By purchasing ROYAL CANIN Prescription Diet, you acknowledge and agree that the following is true and accurate to the best of your knowledge.

  1. I confirm that my pet was examined by a Veterinarian who recommended the use of ROYAL CANIN Prescription Diet on the basis of his/her diagnosis.
  2. I have read and understood that whilst my pet is being fed ROYAL CANIN Prescription Diet, it is recommended that seek veterinary advice at least every 6 months regarding the usage of ROYAL CANIN Prescription Diet.
  3. I have read and understood that I need to seek immediate veterinary advice if my pet's condition deteriorates in any way whilst I use ROYAL CANIN Prescription Diet.

PURCHASE ACCEPTANCE

Please Note: "CUSTOMER SELF DECLARATION" By purchasing Hill’s Prescription Diet, you acknowledge and agree that the following is true and accurate to the best of your knowledge.

  1. I confirm that my pet was examined by a Veterinarian who recommended the use of Hill’s Prescription Diet on the basis of his/her diagnosis.
  2. I have read and understood that whilst my pet is being fed Hill’s Prescription Diet, it is recommended that I seek veterinary advice at least every 6 months regarding the usage of Prescription Diet.
  3. I have read and understood that I need to seek immediate veterinary advice if my pet's condition deteriorates in any way whilst I use Hill’s Prescription Diet