Do you have a problem with fleas? If you do, then it is most likely you only used flea treatment on your cat or dog. But do you know that getting rid of fleas on your pet alone does not solve the whole flea problem? Experts say that majority of the fleas may be living in or around the house. That is why it is very crucial that you get rid of fleas in all areas of your home.

As a responsible pet owner, you must do all you can to keep your pets free from fleas. A good way to do this is to launch a war against fleas. It involves your 100 % commitment. You should allot a few hours of your time to get into the war zone and start killing fleas.

The following are three easy steps to make your homes flea-free:

Step 1: Vacuum, vacuum, vacuum!

First thing to do in the battle against fleas is to clean up the entire house. Vacuum the surroundings, paying a lot of attention to the areas most frequented by pets such as pet beddings or sleeping areas, carpet, and floorboard area. Vacuum also shaded places like corners, under furniture, cracks on the floor and dark crevices which are potential spots where flea eggs and larvae may thrive.

According to estimates, vacuuming can remove as much as 50% of the flea eggs. It can also remove newly hatched fleas even before they jump on your pets! Just don’t forget to throw out the vacuum bag right away after each vacuuming to make sure that the fleas don’t come crawling back.

Step 2: Wash Carpets and Use Spray Insecticides

Vacuuming does not totally remove all fleas on carpets because flea larvae wrap themselves tightly around carpet fibers. To sanitize carpets then, you need to wash and soak them in hot soapy water or steam clean them. Fleas are heat-sensitive and subjecting them to hot treatment will kill them.

Carpets, rugs, floors and similar surfaces should also be treated with spray insecticides to guarantee flea control.

Step 3: Manage Your Pets

To intensify your battle against fleas, the third step is to apply flea treatments on your pet. Using top-of-the-line spot on products such as Frontline Plus and Advantage, which are applied directly on the skin surface, can kill and prevent fleas from coming back. Giving flea control pills or tablets such as Capstar and Program can also treat flea infestation. Your veterinarian can recommend the right flea treatment for your pet.

The three steps mentioned above are necessary for house flea control treatment. However, like any flea control program, it would not work unless it is done with consistency. Regular maintenance of the home and proper care of your pet are essential for long-lasting effect.

Have you had any similar battle against fleas in your own homes? If you have, what did you do to fight them off?

I was browsing through pet-related sites when something caught my attention: “Can fleas live on human hair?” Several websites and forums say they can. A few say they can’t. What do you think?

As we tackle this question, it is perhaps good to begin with what fleas are. Fleas are insects that feed on the blood of a host. Normally, they live on dogs and cats. They stay there sucking blood out of our pets until such time that they hop on another animal. As they hop, they can stay in various debris in our environment such as pet’s beddings, sleeping areas, tiny particles of dirt, fibers from carpets, rugs and furniture, etc.

Humans can get fleas when they make contact with their flea-infested pets. They can also get them from pet’s beddings and furniture where fleas thrive. Fleas will grab any opportunity to suck blood from a potential host. They will hop on humans and bite but they will not live there for a long time. Most often, they will bite ankles, lower legs and lower arms.

It is possible that fleas may get on human hair when the person makes contact with his or her flea-infested pet. In very rare cases, fleas may bite on the scalp but they will not stay for long. As long as the person makes every possible effort to get rid of the fleas such as washing his or her hair, eliminating fleas off from clothing, frequent vacuuming of the house, and regular bathing and applying of flea control products on the pet, he or she can be flea-free.

Imagine waking up one morning and discovering your darling pet has fleas! These small, reddish brown, wingless, blood-sucking insects make you panic. As a caring pet owner, you are aware that fleas are harmful. You want to stop them from infesting your pet. You are about to kill them by means of flea control methods.

But before beginning any flea control program, it helps to know about the life cycle of a flea. This information gives you a baseline of when the best time is to apply treatment.

Like mosquitoes, fleas undergo four stages: egg, larval, pupal and adult. Here is a picture of the events that happen in each stage.

1. Egg Stage

• It is the first stage of the life cycle, which begins when a female adult flea produces 20 flea eggs at a time, for a total of 500 eggs during its lifetime.
• The flea eggs are smooth, oval, pearly white, and tiny, but still visible to the naked eye.
• They represent approximately 50% of the total flea population at any given time.
• The eggs are deposited in areas frequented by pets such as bedding or sleeping area, dog houses, carpet, furniture, floorboard area, and in the yard. Regular cleaning and sanitation of these areas can help kill fleas.

2. Larval Stage

• The larvae emerge from the egg through a special “egg-buster” spine on the head. At any given time, they comprise for approximately 35% of the flea population.
• Physically, the larvae are legless, white and maggot-like in appearance, and very small.
• The larvae molt for a period of 6-36 days, which may vary depending on temperature and humidity, before entering the next stage of the life cycle. They are very susceptible to humidity, with low humidity being detrimental to the larvae.
• They mainly feed on adult flea excrement, often called “flea dirt,” which is actually dried blood from its host. They also feed on other organic debris such as dried bits of skin and dead mites.
• Larvae avoid light, which makes them more likely to stay in dark and shaded places like cracks in the floor, under the furniture, etc.
• Like flea eggs, they are also found in the pet’s favorite resting areas.

3. Pupal Stage

• This is the third stage of the life cycle, where the flea larvae spin silk cocoons around themselves from one week to one year, before turning into adult fleas.
• The flea larvae can stay in the cocoon for a few days or for a year or more, waiting for the right time to emerge as adult fleas.
• Pupal cocoons account for 10% of the flea population.
• Warm temperature and humid weather can speed up the maturation process in the cocoon.
• During this stage, the flea larvae are very resistant to chemical insecticides and other flea control methods.

4. Adult Stage

• This is the final stage in flea development where the flea emerges from the cocoon and looks for a host (dog, cat or human) to feed on.
• Studies indicate that adult fleas account for only 5% of the total flea population at any given time so it is good to control infestation during this stage.
• The adult flea jumps on the host and holds on to it with its three pairs of legs, the hindmost part used for jumping. It has hair-like bristles on its body and legs, which helps it navigate through the pet’s hair.
• The adult flea cuts a hole and inserts its feeding tube into the pet, sucking blood out of it.
• The flea lays its eggs and the flea life cycle starts all over again.

Zoom back to reality. While attending to your pet, you find out that there really are some fleas hiding underneath its hair. Thankfully, you are no longer terrified. Now that you know about the flea life cycle, it can help you determine when flea control is most effective in each phase of flea development. If you were in this situation, which stage (or stages) do you think is the best time for flea control?

Fleas cause many diseases that afflict cats. It is a wise and responsible pet owner who makes the effort to learn about these illnesses. When we’re dealing with health issues we can neither afford to be ignorant nor misinformed. Being informed is a key to making the right choices and decisions for our pets, who are dependent on us.

Most of the time, simple medical conditions worsen because their early symptoms are not recognized. Here are some flea-caused diseases and their symptoms which can help owners determine if their cats need treatment.

Anaemia

Fleas are one of the underlying cause of this disease. It is a condition that can occur if too many fleas feed on the cat. The lessened number of red blood cells lead to a lack of iron. This in turn results to insufficient oxygen supply that the cells need for respiration.

The symptoms to look out for are:

• Pale gums

• Lethargy

• Weakness

• Increased breathing rate

• Increased heart rate

It is advisable to immediately consult your vet if you suspect that your cat has this ailment. Vets can accurately identify the cause through blood sample analysis. Treatments will depend on the results of the test and may include oxygen therapy and blood transfusions.

Feline Infectious Anaemia (FIA)

This ailment is caused by Mycoplasma haemofelis, a species of the bacterial parasite Haemobartonella which attacks the cat’s red blood cells. Infected mothers can pass on the organism to their kittens. FIA may also be transmitted through blood transfusion and cat fights. Fleas and ticks are also known to spread the disease. Once infected, a cat remains a carrier for life.

There are many factors to consider in determining if your cat has FIA. These are the number of infected red blood cells, degree of parasitic infection, and health of the cat. The varied symptoms can include:

• Anaemia

• Loss of appetite

• Weight loss

• Depression

• Jaundice

• Fever

• Enlarged lymph nodes

• Enlarged spleen

Consultation with a vet is strongly recommended when the signs of the disease are present in your pet. Laboratory analysis of blood samples can aid to determine the treatment, which is long-term. For the anaemia symptom, antibiotics and iron supplements are usually prescribed.

Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD)

This dermatologic disease is also known as flea bite hypersensitivity. Cats with this allergy react severely to saliva injected whenever fleas bite. It is a very itchy disease and can lead to secondary skin infections. FAD is most prevalent during summer and in places with warm climates.

Since the presence of fleas may not be apparent in cats with FAD due to excessive grooming, the symptoms to watch out for are:

• Intense itching

• Frequent biting of the skin especially at the tail, rump, back and front legs

• Oozing wounds caused by chewing

• Severe skin damage, especially the face and hips, due to excessive scratching

Vets should be consulted to treat the presence of fleas and to prevent secondary skin diseases. Since the best way for the allergy not to be triggered is to prevent the cat from being bitten by fleas, ask the vet to recommend the best flea preventive medications for your cat.

Abnormal Water Intake

One of the causes of this condition is the Dipylidium caninum, a segmented tapeworm that lives in the small intestines of cats. This parasite is common in environments that are flea infested because fleas, as intermediate hosts, enable the completion of the tapeworm’s life cycle. Flea larvae, in turn, eat the eggs released from the segments which the tapeworms drop off in cat’s feces. A cat, while grooming itself, gets this parasitic tapeworm when it ingests fleas.

Dipylidium caninum grows in the cat’s intestines and feeds off the cat. The symptoms which signal its presence are:

• Weight loss

• Increased appetite

• Anal irritation

As soon as this condition is noticed a vet must be consulted for immediate treatment. If you have more than one cat, they should also be included in the treatment even if they do not manifest the symptoms because the tapeworm can spread from cat to cat.

Alopecia or Abnormal Hair Loss

Cats lose hair when they are stressed and during lactation. It can also be caused by scratching due to the presence of fleas. However, hair loss may be aggravated by a skin disease called flea allergy dermatitis (FAD), a severe reaction to flea bites. A cat with this allergy tends to excessively scratch and lick its skin which leads to hair loss in large parts of its body. Most affected are the flanks, tail and rump.

Cats suffering from Alopecia have:

• Little or no hair in the affected areas

• Blotchy, broken and painful skin

This condition is not life-threatening but it is still necessary to get a vet’s diagnosis so the underlying cause can be determined. This is needed not only to ascertain the proper treatment for the cat but also to know what precautionary measures should be undertaken by the owner especially since some skin complaints may cross to humans.

Ensuring the safety of our cats from the threats that fleas pose should be one of our primary concerns. At the first sign of illness, it is best to see a vet. It is also essential that our pets have regular check-ups. Likewise, good hygiene practices and regular cleaning of surroundings must be observed to prevent flea infestation.

Fleas are a real concern for me and my cat. This is due not only for the usual reasons, but also because Ming, my poor feline friend, is afflicted with flea allergic dermatitis. This is an allergic reaction to flea saliva that is released when a flea bites. The saliva has anticoagulants that could cause rashes which a cat will scratch and bite furiously until its skin bleeds.

Not all cats have this type of allergy. Those that react severely to flea bites have hair loss, scabby bumps, itchiness, rashes, and exhibit continuous licking and biting of the skin. The sufferers do not only have a hard time but they are also a pitiful sight. The best way to help cats with flea-bite hypersensitivity is to ensure that they are flea-free.

This is what I am endeavoring to provide my pet. I have already determined the flea medications that work well. Ming and I have also perfected a routine for using them. But, I’m still interested to learn other means to supplement what we have. For Ming’s sake, I have to cover all the bases. So, when I again ticked off our list of must-dos to effectively prevent flea infestation, I realized what I’ve missed giving attention to - my cat’s diet.

With humans, proper nutrition is one major factor which wards off diseases. This is also true for animals. The nutritional values that cats get from a proper diet can greatly boost their immune systems. A stronger immune system makes for a healthy cat. And a healthy cat is better equipped to fight flea infestations. So, I’ve decided to put my cat on a food regimen.

As, I was hunting for recipes that are not only nutritional but delicious as well, I discovered that Brewer’s Yeast and garlic can reduce the presence of fleas in cats. These two natural flea control treatments are harmless to our pets. Here’s a recipe that make use of both these repellents.

CHICKEN CRUNCHIES

Ingredients:

1-1/2 cups whole-wheat flour

1-1/2 cups rye flour

1-1/2 cups brown rice flour

1 cup wheat germ

1 teaspoon dried kelp or alfalfa

1 teaspoon garlic powder

4 tablespoons vegetable oil

1 1/2 cups chicken broth or beef broth

1 pound ground chicken

1 to 2 tablespoons brewer’s yeast

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

2. In a large bowl, combine the first six dry ingredients.

3. Add oil, broth and chicken, and mix well.

4. Sprinkle some flour on a flat surface then roll the dough to 1/8 inch thickness.

5. Place dough on a greased cookie sheet and bake until golden brown.

6. When cooled, break into bite-size pieces.

7. Put pieces in a bag with the brewer’s yeast and shake to coat them.

Makes 2 to 3 dozen pieces.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Wouldn’t it be bliss if you and your pet could go frolic outdoors without worrying about fleas just waiting to pounce? If you and your pet no longer would look suspiciously neither at every nook and corner nor in rugs and beddings for their larvae and droppings? That would be ideal but eradicating all fleas is a long way from being a reality. So in the meantime, we must always be careful of these parasites.

Fleas do not harm only animals; they can also cause problems for humans. These parasites target any victim as long as they can feed on them. They can transfer from environment to pet and humans, or from pet to owner, as they are able to jump as high as 16 inches. Once they are on the host’s body, they will then bite to begin their blood meal.

There are three major types of fleas that bite humans:

1. Ctenocephalides felis or cat flea – the most numerous and widespread flea species. It can transmit infections not only to cats but to dogs and humans, too. The most common of these are Bartonella, the tapeworm Dipylidium caninum, and murine typhus.

2. Ctenocephalides canis or dog flea – besides causing itching and unease, dog fleas can transmit several diseases which include tapeworm infection, typhus and tularemia.

3. Pulex irritans or human flea – can also infest cats, dogs, pigs, and other mammals. Infestation of this parasite was once a common occurrence among people but, fortunately, due to the spread of personal hygiene practices it is now seldom found in domestic dwellings.

While fleas are not particular about their hosts, there are some prey who attract more fleas than others. In humans, this could be due to the differences in our chemical makeups, skin secretions, and gas emissions. A person’s level of reaction also determines the frequency of flea bites. Those who have severe allergic reactions get bitten more often than those who are non-allergic.

Fleas tend to bite parts of our body that are more reachable - like feet, ankles and calves. These are also the areas that we frequently leave exposed during summer. Flea bites - tiny red spots which are very itchy – can be the source of various diseases and allergies.

We should always take precautionary measures against flea bites. Of course, the best safeguard is keeping fleas away from our pets and our homes permanently.

I’m quite sure most of you are thinking the exact same thing. If I asked you why you thought they sucked, I know you can all give me various reasons that all have their own merit. However, I will ask a somewhat different question: why do fleas suck blood? Specifically, why do fleas need blood?

While some insects bite as a defensive measure against perceived threats, a flea bites in order to feed. Fleas attack a variety of warm-blooded animals including dogs, cats, chickens, rabbits, rats – and apparently humans, too. Young flea larvae feed on dead skin cells, mature fleas’ fecal matter, and other debris found on the skin of its host. Adult fleas, on the other hand, need blood for two very important reasons: Female fleas need blood to complete their reproductive cycle; male fleas need blood to grow.

Fleas usually live and breed where pets sleep – on their beds or on the carpet. Those who come near these resting places are also subject to flea attack. Fleas will feed on humans as well as on pets. The usual targets of flea bites are the ankles and the lower portion of the legs.

Avoiding Flea Bites

Flea bites can be avoided by something as simple as regular pet grooming. If you see small black specks on your pet’s skin or fur, this is probably dried blood from flea droppings. Most of the time, these are more obvious than the fleas themselves. If you suspect a flea problem on your pet, run a fine-toothed comb through its fur and flick any debris into a container of soapy water. Flea feces contain blood and will turn the water pink. Once you’re certain there are fleas on your pet, follow the steps listed below:

• Groom your pet regularly, daily if possible, with a fine-toothed comb to remove the fleas.

• Dip the dog in a pyrethrin dip. A pyethrin dip is a concentrate that kills and repels fleas, ticks, lice, gnats, mosquitoes and flies. You can buy one in your local pet store. Choose one that has low toxicity and a residual effect.

• Clean your house thoroughly, especially the areas where your pet sleeps or spends most of its time.

People love to see their dogs healthy; fleas feel otherwise. There is nothing a flea hates more than a dog in great form. Studies have consistently shown that dogs with a strong immunity system and those that stick to a diet full of nutrients are highly resilient against parasites.

Here are five health boosters you can give your dog to make sure he’s always in tip top shape.

Garlic

The smell of garlic is repulsive even to people. Just a hint of it is enough to keep fleas away. It also strengthens your dog’s immune system, helping him fight off sickness and infections caused by parasites. It is usually combined with Brewer’s Yeast in supplements to promote healthy skin and coat.

Garlic is also a powerful antioxidant therefore a good addition to an aging pet’s diet. It can also lower the risk for cancer and developing tumors. It will also improve your dog’s blood circulation.

How To Do It:
Only a handful of dogs will eat whole garlic. The best way to add it to his diet is by chopping it into small pieces then sprinkling it over his meal. Or if your dog is a licker and seems to like the taste of garlic, you can blend a few cloves together with a cup of water and make your own garlic juice. You can then spray or brush it on his meals, treats or chew toys.

Vinegar

Just like garlic, vinegar has a smell we would love to avoid. It’s the same with fleas. The good thing about vinegar is not only does it provide a pest-repelling smell, it also makes your dog’s skin acidic, something fleas completely detest. Furthermore, it maintains the shine of his fur.

How To Do It:
Give your dog a sponge bath of vinegar diluted in water. You can also pour a few drops into his drinking water.

Brewer’s Yeast

It is an excellent source of B vitamins which are essential in keeping your dog’s metabolism in check. Brewer’s yeast is a natural flea and tick repellent which also contains thiamine that wards off mosquitoes. It is a natural immunity booster and helps improve your pet’s coat and skin.

How To Do It:
There are a number of Brewer’s Yeast supplements in the market. Dogs generally find it tasty. You can sprinkle it on his food or rub it on his coat.

Sulfur

Sulfur is an important component of every living cell. It helps build tissues, assists in maintaining metabolism and is also essential for healthy skin, coat and joints. Studies have shown that dogs with sulfur deficiency are prone to fleas and other parasite infections.

How To Do It:
Sulfur is generally found in raw meat. Most pet owners make use of processed dog food which doesn’t provide their dog’s daily sulfur needs. It is therefore best to once in a while create a homemade meal for your pet, one that is meat-based. Supplements are also widely available, mostly in powdered form.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

These are essential for the skin’s well-being, reducing flaking caused by dry skin and inflammation caused by parasites, strengthening the skin and making it resilient against infections. It also gives a shiny and healthy coat. Omega-3 Fatty Acids also improve the immune system and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

How To Do It:
There are a wide variety of supplements to choose from. These come in tablet and liquid forms. Adding fish oil or flaxseed oil to your dog’s diet is a good start.

A healthy dog is not likely to get fleas. Keeping this in mind, we should be watchful of the diet we give our canine friends. A proper diet will not only prevent flea infestation, it will also add quality to their lives.

The skin is our first layer of protection against the outside world. It covers our entire body and, therefore, is its largest organ. Our skin keeps our bodies in an ideal temperature by determining outside conditions and sending this data to the brain so the entire body can act in accordance. In short, the skin is a vital part of our body. This is why we do everything in our power to protect and maintain it – because it protects and maintains us.

We all want to have blemish-free skin and most of us are well aware of what we should protect our skin from. If you have pets, then it’s a completely different matter. You need to take more precautions since your pet may have fleas and these parasites are hazardous to us because fleas also bite humans. Fleas are your pets’ worst enemy – which make them yours, too.

Now, if you can’t stomach these parasites biting and infesting your pets, I’m sure you wouldn’t want them biting and infesting you. If you think that your pet is a victim of flea infestation, it wouldn’t hurt to check yourself for fleas, too.

What do flea bites look like?

Flea bites on humans usually appear as a red spot accompanied by a halo of redness that can last for several hours depending on one’s reaction to it. A flea bite may sometimes cause itching and slight irritation of the skin.

Those with extreme allergies or Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD) may sometimes break out into hives and suffer from excessive swelling.

The presence of children in the household is also a reason to be extra careful about flea bites. Children have more sensitive skin and hence can suffer worse symptoms than adults.

How to treat flea bites

Now that you have an idea of what flea bites look like, it is time to get some tips on effectively treating them. To save you from a trip to your doctor, here are a few home remedies for flea bites you may try:

• Wash

  Simply washing the affected area with water and a mild antiseptic soap may help – especially in cases of mild allergies.

• Cool

  In case of an allergic reaction, applying an ice pack over the affected area will reduce swelling and inflammation.

• Relieve

  To relieve itching, apply some calamine lotion on the affected area.

• Medicate

  A mild steroid cream like hydrocortisone, which is readily available from a local pharmacy, is useful in relieving the swelling and itching more rapidly. Use only in cases of extreme allergies; if symptoms persist, consult your doctor immediately.

Cat fleas are no joke. They are a major cause of pet disease and hence should be taken seriously. Flea and tick treatment and medication should only be the last resort; flea and tick prevention, the first. One of the best ways to make sure fleas and ticks keep off your beloved cat is through the use of a simple but effective flea collar.

This article aims to help you decide which pet collar is best suited for your active feline friend. First, I just want to say that I am no expert when it comes to pet health. This list is based solely on my humble experiences with my best friend “Slick,” the slickest cat of them all. I fervently hope this list will be useful for all cat lovers reading it. Anyway, here goes:

How do you find the best flea collar for outdoor cats?

• The best flea collar for outdoor cats prevents flea eggs

  If you want to really minimize the flea population and avoid major flea infestation, you have to eliminate the source. A good cat flea collar will prevent fleas from multiplying – and then kill them. Obviously, all flea collars aim to kill fleas; choose the one that also prevents fleas from laying eggs on your beloved pet’s fur.

• The best flea collar for outdoor cats is safe for both cats and kittens

  Kittens get fleas, too, and more than cats, they need protection against these parasites since their immune system is not yet fully developed. It is no mystery that flea collars contain pesticides like propoxur and pyrethrin. Although most of these are harmless to cats, you should be careful what you expose your cat to. DO NOT give your cat anything that contains amitraz. Amitraz is a monoamine oxidase inhibitor that affects an animal’s nervous system and is known to be toxic to cats.

• The best flea collar for outdoor cats lasts for at least 6 months

  A good flea collar will start killing fleas as soon as you put them on your cat or dog, and it should provide protection for at least half a year. Convenience is the reason why we buy anti-flea products. Having to worry about changing your cherished cat’s flea collar ONLY twice a year is definitely convenient.

• The best flea collar for outdoor cats also provides protection against ticks

  Ticks, like fleas, are a common pet problem. Unfortunately, ticks are harder to kill than fleas and therefore require more work to eliminate. Your cat flea collar should assist you in this task; there are flea collars available that also kill ticks albeit slowly. Most dead ticks will fall off your pet. However, some remain and need to be removed through other methods.

• The best flea collar for outdoor cats is odor-free

  Flea collars should be effective flea-killing machines but we don’t have to smell how effective they are. If you smell something out of the ordinary on a cat flea collar, chances are it may be harmful to your pet.

Of course, all the other obvious reasons apply. Your cat’s flea collar should look good, be durable, and comfortable. You should protect your cat from fleas and ticks — but nobody ever said you couldn’t do it in style.