Your pet is your best friend, your loyal compatriot, and a member of your family. Unfortunately, it’s also a member that is prone to some problems that humans are not.

Fleas are an uncomfortable but common side effect of owning a pet, and if you’re not treating your animal on a regular basis for these tiny intruders, then you may find yourself with an infestation. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to living a flea-free life.

Problems Caused By Fleas

One of the biggest problems for pet owners that are dealing with fleas is the problem of skin irritation. Fleas devour your pet’s skin, causing swelling, rash, and discomfort. Beyond this, fleas can carry disease, and a pet that goes untreated might develop more severe problems as time goes on.

For us humans, fleas can also be pretty annoying. As they are extremely small, it can be hard to get rid of them, and their bites can hurt us just as much as they hurt our friends.

Prevention

There are several methods of preventing fleas. Some are better than others, depending on your pet and their situation. For example, you may need to do extra treatment if you live in a multi-pet home, or if your pets tend to go outside.

Regular Cleaning and Sanitation

All pets need to be cleaned on a regular basis. Not only does this discourage fleas, but it can also help to prevent other health problems. Plus, your pet will smell better for it.

By the way, this includes your feline friends. While they tend to be self-cleaning, they’re not perfect at it, and fleas can require some intervention.

Regular Combing

Not only will this help to remove and prevent fleas, but it will also help to get rid of your pet’s undercoat. This is where a lot of dead hair can build up, and it’s also where insects can hide. Your bet will feel better for it, and your home will notice a lack of pet hair.

Insecticides

Some treatments are pet-friendly, but you would do well to consult your vet before trying any chemical additive on your home or yard. Fleas tend to come in from the outside, so it makes sense to try to get them before they can enter your home.

Ask your vet for a recommendation for some pet-friendly treatments for your property, or of a service offering safe treatments that will come to you. Sugarland Exterminating offers free consultations, so there aren’t any reasons to delay.

Latest Treatment Options for Pets

There is always a new medicine or treatment coming out for your pets. Your vet is a trained medical professional, and they will be well-read on the different options out there. Consult with your vet about your pet’s health and let them make a recommendation that will make sense for you.

Topical On Animal Treatments

For most pet owners, a topical treatment is all that is needed. Most are applied to your pet’s back, and most treatments are only required once every so many months, or even years. Some pets may react differently to different medications, and if you have a pet that cleans itself, make sure what you use is meant for your animal.

Oral Treatments

This can help prevent reproduction of fleas on your pet. Killing them internally is a great way to go, but not all animals will respond the way you would want them to. Talk to your vet and see what they recommend.

No one wants to see their pet suffer and of course, you must keep your home pest-free as well. If you suspect that your animal may have fleas, do the right thing and seek treatment. This is your best friend, so give them the attention and treatment a friend deserves by handling the problem quickly.