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| Sunday, 12 June 2005 |
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Junior Observer |  |
| News Business Features Editorial
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The war against fleas
Fleas can cause reactions in your pet, varying from a mild skin irritation to a severe allergic reaction. Because fleas feed on blood, an extreme infestation can cause anaemia or even death to animals. All cats and dogs, and other mammals too, except for some that live in high elevations or in extremely dry environments are susceptible to flea infestations.Whether or not you actually see fleas on your pet, they may be there. Scratching, scabs and dark specs, or "flea dirt" found on the skin could all be signs that your pet has become the unwitting host for a family of fleas. Fleas can carry tapeworms too. In extreme cases of flea infestation, your pet may be lethargic and its lips and gums pale. Because the life cycle of a flea is three to four weeks, it will take at least that long to completely rid your pet and its environment of the enemy. Different flea control products work in different ways, have varying levels of effectiveness and kill different flea stages. You'll need to use a combination of products at the same time for treatment to be effective. Dips, shampoos, powders and sprays will usually kill the adult fleas on your pet. Using a flea comb regularly will help too. But more adults may be moving around your home or yard, and eggs or larvae may be lying in wait. You'll need to rid your house of fleas by vacuuming and washing your pet's bedding once a week, and using a disinfectant on washable surfaces and an insecticide or insect growth regulator in cracks and crevices every two to four weeks. When using chemical products to control fleas, be very careful. You may be providing too much of a potentially toxic chemical if you use, say, a flea dip and a fogger with the same chemical ingredient. Always check with your veterinarian before beginning your war on fleas. Even if you purchase an over-the-counter product, it's wise to consult your veterinarian for any safety concerns.If your pet lives outdoors, you'll need to tackle the garden too. Sunlight kills fleas; so concentrate your efforts in the shady areas of your garden. You can spray your garden with insecticide. Flea control has reached new levels in recent years. Today, there are products on the market that you can treat your pet with once a month that will help keep those annoying little jumpers away. Now that you're armoured with some information, you can help your pet win the war against fleas. |
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| News | Business | Features
| Editorial | Security
| Politics | Produced by Lake House |
The flea is a hardy insect with a lifespan of six to 12 months. During
that time, a pair of fleas could produce millions of offspring. Some
species can leap 15 to 36 inches high. All this may be admirable, but
fleas on your pet or in your household are not. 
