Fischer Animal Hospital

Small Animal Veterinary Clinic
(636) 240 - 7646

 

FAQ: Fleas

Image description

Magnified view of adult flea. 

Source: www.orkin.com

felinefleacontrol.pdf
Handout from our clinic discussing fleas on your cat and how to treat environment.
caninefleacontrol.pdf
Handout from our clinic discussing fleas on your dog and how to treat environment.
fleacontrolhistoryform.pdf
Helpful form to evaluate how well you are controlling the fleas in your house, yard, and on your pet. Source: dvm360.com

"How do I know if I have fleas in my house?"

The best way to tell if you have a flea problem is to run a flea comb (or fine tooth comb) through your dog/cat's fur around the rump region (above where tail meets the body).  On cats, you may not find signs because they are so meticulous about grooming.  Use the comb on the base of your cat’s neck and along the midline of the back where they have trouble reaching.  Flea excrement is released as they feed.  If your pet has fleas feeding on them, then you will find “flea dirt” or droppings.  This looks like pepper in your pet’s fur and will turn a reddish/brown color when wet on a paper napkin.  Many pet owners will mistake this for regular dirt. 

"Why is my dog/cat not itching a lot if it has fleas?"

As with most insects, some animals are allergic to fleas while others are not.  Pets with flea allergy dermatitis will scratch themselves raw while those who are not allergic may only scratch a few times a day.  Pets who do not scratch may have the heaviest infestation.  This is why ALL animals should be treated within the household, not just the ones that are itching.   

"I treated all of my pets, so why do I still have fleas?"

There are three points of attack when dealing with a flea infestation.  Please keep in mind it may take months to rid your house of fleas:

  • The Pet - Treat with topical/oral products that are approved by the FDA or EPA.  EPA approved products will have an EPA # on the package while FDA approved products will have a NADA or ANADA # on the package.  If neither is found, please consult with a veterinarian before using the product.
  • The Yard - Treat with insecticide approved for use by the EPA.
  • The House - Treat by vacuuming the entire house (carpet, hard floors, furniture) and clean any bedding that your animals come in contact with.  Do this daily while treating your pets.  Only about 10% of fleas are on your pets, the rest are in the environment. If this method is not enough, then call an exterminator or spray your house with a pet safe spray.  Bombs are not very effective because they do not reach under furniture where flea larvas dwell.

All photographs are used with permission of owners.  Photos by Jessica Standiford (c) 2013.