One thing is for certain. We just can’t live without our furballs. They have been serving us well. This is why it is only wise that we too look after their needs. In recent times, it has been proven that cats and dogs serve as the ultimate companion in making us feel safe and warm. But often we can find ourselves in a situation where they will be scratching continuously and that means they are likely infested with fleas. This can turn out to be the worst nightmare for pet owners so it is best to be certain. Let me share some certain ways to know whether your pet has fleas or not:
SCRATCHING CONSTANTLY: If your pet is scratching excessively, especially around the neck, tail base, or belly, it may indicate flea infestation.
FLEA DIRT: Flea dirt is small black or dark brown specks that resemble ground pepper. It is actually flea feces and is a common sign of fleas. You can check your pet’s fur by combing it over a white piece of paper or towel. If you see tiny black specks that turn reddish-brown when wet, it’s likely flea dirt.
VISIBLE FLEAS: Sometimes, you may actually see fleas crawling on your pet’s fur, especially if the infestation is severe. Fleas are small, fast-moving insects, typically brown or reddish-brown in color. They are about the size of a pinhead.
RESTLESSNESS: Pets with fleas may exhibit restlessness, excessive grooming, or even changes in their behavior. They may appear agitated, anxious, or have difficulty sleeping due to the discomfort caused by fleas.
What About Us? Can They Bite Humans?
Fleas prefer to infest and feed on the blood of dogs and cats, but they can bite humans as well. They have specialized mouthparts designed for piercing the skin of their preferred hosts, which typically have fur or thicker skin. While fleas can bite humans, they don’t usually stay on human hair for an extended period. If a flea does end up on human hair, it will typically move around, bite, and then quickly jump off in search of a more suitable host. But flea bites on humans can cause itching, redness, and discomfort, similar to mosquito bites.
How to Keep Your Furball Flea-Free!
The first you need to do is consult your veterinarian to determine the best flea-prevention product for your pet. There are various options available, including topical treatments, oral medications, collars, and shampoos. Use these products consistently and according to the instructions provided by the manufacturer. Also, you should keep your pet’s living environment clean. This means regularly vacuuming your home, including carpets, furniture, and pet bedding, to remove flea eggs, larvae, and adults. Make sure you are washing your pet’s bedding regularly in hot water and dry it on high heat. This helps to eliminate any fleas or eggs that may be present. You should also be maintaining a well-groomed pet. It can help in the early detection of fleas and minimize their presence on your pet. Brush your pet’s fur regularly, especially in areas where fleas commonly hide, such as the neck, tail base, and belly. This can help remove fleas, flea dirt, and loose hair.
Also make sure you treat all pets in the household, even if only one shows signs of flea infestation.
