Fleas are a major worry that every dog owner eventually has to deal with. Anybody who has a pet has probably have faced the overwhelming job of canine flea control, a task that has usually proved to be more difficult than it looks.
Fleas aren't merely a worry because they harass and cause hours of aggravating itching and scratching for the animal, but they can also cause other significant concerns which can include dog flea allergies, tapeworm infestations and in serious occurrences, anemia.
Due to their surprising hardiness, it can be a difficult task to getting rid of fleas on canines. A female might lay more than 2,000 eggs in her lifetime, which means that infection could come about swiftly and the eggs that are laid may subsist for quite a few months in the environment while merely waiting for an appropriate victim. Thus it's imperative to eradicate both the fleas on your dog in addition to the fleas residing in the pet's living space. The perfect areas to search for fleas are sand, rugs, bedding and carpets.
The Best Approaches to Eliminate Fleas
In order to totally eradicate fleas on your pet and in his or her surroundings, it is basic to learn the flea's lifespan. There are four phases that makeup the life span of the flea. Akin to the majority of insects, the fleas commences from the egg stage, grows into larva, then advances into the pupa phase before finally reaching the adult phase.
The Flea's Egg Phase
The eggs of the flea are pallid in color and are so small that they are tough to find without the use of a magnifying glass. Even though the eggs are originally laid on the pet's skin, many will ultimately fall onto the ground to continue their expedition to an adult. About 50% of the overall flea count is made up of eggs. Depending upon the living conditions, the eggs hatch in anywhere from 2 to 4 weeks. The greater the heat and moisture in the environment, the earlier the eggs will hatch.
The Flea Larvae Phase
As soon as the flea egg hatches, it goes into the larva stage where it enlarges to approximately 1/4 inch long. The flea larvae live on organic waste substances and on the adult flea's feces. They don't like vivid light and are inclined to disappear deep inside the present living space, if possible in a balmy and humid place. Climate controlled houses are the ideal environment for the flea lifecycle to succeed. Outside, larval growth will only take place in moist, shady locations.
The Flea Pupa Phase
When entering the pupa stage, the flea pupa grow a velvety and sticky protecting layer. This cocoon swiftly configures a useful hiding place as it gets encased by debris and soil. If stimulated by temperature, carbon dioxide or by physical pressure, like that in a balmy and sultry location, an adult flea might appear from the cocoon in as fast as five to ten days. As soon as the adult flea surfaces from the cocoon, it could subsist for only a few days unless it is able to feed. Pre-emerged adult fleas are able to live inside the cocoon for as many as 9 months. This is important because adult fleas that still exist within the cocoon are resistant to insecticides sprayed in the environment and can surface a significant time after you apply insecticides in your residence.
The Flea's Adult Phase
Once the adult flea comes out from the cocoon, it must immediately locate a host as it has to have blood if it is to survive. Two days subsequent to obtaining an acceptable host, the female flea will begin to lay approximately forty eggs every day. Adult fleas usually live up to three weeks. The complete lifecycle of a flea may perhaps be finished in as little as 2 to 4 weeks, or as long as ten months conditional to its surrounding conditions.
How to Treat A Dog For Fleas
There are numerous powders, shampoos, sprays and spot on measures available for dog flea control on your pet. Be sure to consult with a veterinarian to opt for the most successful and reliable flea insecticides for your house and dog.
Indoor Canine Flea Control Methods
The majority of canine flea control products are merely useful against the adult flea, but environmental preparations are becoming more complex. A vet can offer you with flea products that are comprised of insect growth regulators that will help destroy the flea eggs and larvae. Before using any environmental pesticide, it's a good idea vacuum your rugs and carpeting to persuade the pre-adult fleas to surface from their protective cocoon. Be sure to toss away the vacuum bag after using it. You must also wash the bedding the pet has lied on.
Outdoor Canine Flea Control Methods
Pay particular attention to dim, shaded areas. Spray a pesticide containing an insect growth regulator and duplicate it every 14-21 days for three to five treatments.
The newer oral and skin flea products should considerably help you resolve your flea problems. With perseverance and patience, you and your best friend ought to be rid of fleas in short order!
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