Why Indoor Pets need Flea & Tick Solutions
External parasites create a big impact on both pets and their pet-parent because they cause cutaneous lesions, transmit diseases, transmit zoonotic (animal to human transmission) infections, and may interfere with human-pet bond.
Unlike most house pests fleas attack dogs, cats, and also humans. Flea bites are very irritating, hypersensitive pets or individuals may need medical intervention to address flea bites.
Fleas cause allergies, can transmit bacterial infection and intestinal parasites such as tapeworm. Fleas are eveywhere can be found outdoors, even indoors. Adult flea and flea eggs can be carried from outside to our house and eventually populate to infect our pets.
The most common flea species found on dogs and cats are Ctenocephalides felis. Fleas are wingless, laterally flattened, blood-sucking insects with robust hindlegs enabling them to jump.
Once emerged from the pupa, adult male and female fleas start to actively seek a host although in the absence of a host they can survive for a few days.
After the first blood meal, they need daily blood meals for survival and usually remain on the same host for the remainder of their life. Female fleas can produce 20~50 eggs per day.
Once laid, pearly white eggs fall off into the environment and will hatch into a larva after a few days under ideal environmental conditions.
Fleas that are well adapted to indoor environments may live outside their host for a certain period of time.
However once the adult fleas start to breed and lay eggs, eggs tend to fall off, into the house where our pets usually hang out such as under the cushion, eggs get trapped in the carpeting, furniture, rugs, and flooring crevices.
Fleas have low host specificity and have been found on a variety of pets such as rabbits and ferrets as well as wild mammals.
Fleas are known to transmit/cause major diseases to our pets, such as diphylidiosis, bartonellosis, and flea allergy dermatitis.
The bites can cause intense itching, irritation and a hypersensitive animal will often require veterinary assistance. Other implications of flea infestation are secondary bacterial and fungal infection, heavy blood-sucking arthropods can cause anemia, and can infect pets’ owners as well.
Fleas eradication requires treatment of pets, and their environment. The success of control will depend on how these treatments are performed.
Prevention and treatment
Many products are available to control the infestation of fleas on your pets. From treatments given orally (chewables), topical solution (spot-on or spray), shampoo, to collars. Just be sure to consult with your veterinarian first before application.
Some treatments are age-sensitive meaning treatments that are given only at a certain age. Some flea control treatments are not to be used on cats.
The health condition of the animal should also be considered for example pets that are too weak or pregnant. Veterinarians also know which product is suitable for your pets, in some cases veterinarians tend to rotate anti-flea treatments to make sure which product is effective on each case.
Anti-flea treatments may work well in the past but work less effective due to resistance and the extent of the infestation.
Oral Anti Flea Treatments
Oral Anti Flea Treatments are given orally, working systemically and killing adult fleas. Usually take effect within a few hours after ingestion.
These anti-flea treatments give 4~12 weeks of protection depending on the manufacturer’s recommendation. Due to less to no flea infestation pets can experience relief from itching, less allergic dermatitis, and better skin and coat conditions.
NexGard Flea & Tick Chewables is an innovative flea and tick preventive. It’s the first of its kind to kill fleas and ticks because it comes in a tasty, beef-flavored soft chew that will protect your dog for a full 30 days from a flea and tick infestation- tested and proven.
Topical Anti Flea Treatments
Topical Anti Flea Treatments are liquid solutions applied on the back of the pet, directly to the skin.
Usually, owners are advised to avoid bathing their pets within 24 hours and touching the application site to allow the solution to dry.
Make sure to apply the solution on the right spot to prevent your pets from reaching or licking the area. May give protection from fleas up to 4~12 weeks depending on the manufacturer’s recommendation.
FRONTLINE Plus kills adult fleas, flea eggs, and flea larvae for up to three months. FRONTLINE Plus also prevents the development of all flea stages for up to three months.
FRONTLINE Plus can control fleas for up to three months, however, if there is a high risk of reinfestation or if the pet has fleas that may cause flea allergy dermatitis, a once monthly application may be needed.
Flea and Tick Shampoo
Shampoo Anti Flea Treatments are quite effective when used properly. Some products may require a few minutes of soaking and let the shampoo sink in.
Should also consider if the product is non-toxic and safe for puppies and kittens. However, shampoos can only provide a minimum period of protection against fleas.
Veterinary Formula Flea and Tick Shampoo contains up to 3x more active ingredients than competitive brands. It’s cat and dog shampoo that is formulated with pyrethrum, a natural insecticide, to kill and control fleas and ticks on-contact, soothe irritations from flea and tick bites, while also gently cleansing and exfoliating your pet’s skin and coat.
Tag/Collar Anti Flea Treatments works as both a repellant and a treatment. It emits a scent that repels fleas and provides medications that penetrate into the fat layer on the dog’s natural skin oils. Some tag/collar anti-flea treatments are designed to provide protection for up to 8 months.
Treating the area
Pets can acquire fleas anywhere in their environment from parks, groomers, from other animals. Even humans can be carriers of fleas through their clothes and shoes.
Fleas can jump up to 6 inches and can easily infest your pet. To successfully control fleas, the premises and other possible vehicles of fleas should be treated.
Effective and safe solutions should be used on the floor, carpets, sofa, and furniture. Pet beddings, clothes, pet food, and bowls should be treated, washed, and dried. Make sure to check the instructions, the product may be recommended to apply without the presence of animals.
Secure your home safely from pesky fleas and ticks with Richard’s Organic Natural Flea & Tick Spray, along with its two-legged and four-legged inhabitants.
This healthy and efficient solution is made from a 100 percent natural formula using six basic plant and herb oils and kills fleas and ticks in all home environments, including carpets, upholstery, rugs, bedding, car interiors, and more for up four weeks.
A natural solution for a better home, it also repels mosquitoes and is safe for use around children and pets.
For worry-free flea control spray that is safe with the presence of your pet. Can be applied to surroundings and directly to pets.
Accurate Tick and Flea Spray offers an all-round protection for your pets and surroundings against Fleas, Ticks, Lice, Bugs, Mosquitoes and Maggots.
The specially formulated spray contains active ingredient Etofenprox, which is mild and safe for use around children and pets without exposing them to harsh chemicals.
Does not contain any artificial colours or fragrances. The specially formulated spray contains active ingredient Etofenprox, which is mild and safe for use around children and pets without exposing them to harsh chemicals.
TropiClean natural Flea & Tick Home Spray is guaranteed to kill fleas and ticks by contact. This natural essential blend contains some of nature’s most powerful pest-fighting ingredients, maximized with lemongrass and sesame oil, for long-lasting effects.
TropiClean Home Spray is safe enough to use around dogs and cats. It also leaves behind a layer of repelling effect that repels fleas and ticks up to 2 weeks.
Accessories and Tools
TropiClean Natural Flea & Tick Collar for Pets are made with natural active ingredients, cedarwood and peppermint oils, and is safe when used as directed to protect and defend against those irritating fleas and ticks.
These waterproof collar is a full body repellent for pets effectively protects your furry friend- perfect for use when your pet leaves the house for a walk.
Conclusion
Fleas and Ticks are some of the most annoying of insects. They can be found just about anywhere and are known for causing more than just a nuisance; they are known for carrying several diseases that can affect both pets and humans.
That being said, protecting your pet from these parasites is not complicated with the right products.
perromart is a one stop shop for all your pet’s needs, with best price guaranteed!
References:
- Control of Ectoparasites in Dogs and Cats. ESCCAP Guideline 03 Sixth Edition – March 2018
- Potter M., Extension Entomologist, AgricultureFlea Control and Prevention. College of Agriculture Univesity of Kentucky.
