Summer is officially considered as flea season and these tiny pests often thrive in places with a humidity of 75 to 85 percent. During this season, fleas can lay up to 28 eggs per day and can live off of pets for an average of six weeks. Hence, pet owners must immediately take action if they find their pets constantly scratching itself. Veterinarians remind owners never to underestimate fleas because some may cause paralysis which may even lead to death.

The Pet Food Institute (PFI), representing U.S. pet food and treat manufacturers, reinforces its commitment to educate the Filipino pet community about nutrition and proper pet care as they share ways on how pet owners can protect their pets from fleas this summer.

A Dog’s First Itch

Prevention is the first step in helping to keep your pet healthy and fee from fleas. PFI encourages dog owners to regularly visit a veterinarian and discuss the best monthly preventive medicine for their pet. Dog owners are also encouraged to always check their pets for fleas by doing a visual inspection during regular brushings.

If a dog does get fleas, it is important for the pet owner to take steps quickly to help treat the problem, keep their pet healthy and comfortable, and keep their house free of fleas. If a dog is not on any preventive medicine, pet owners must consult with their veterinarian and determine the appropriate treatment medication. These are typically either given to the pet as a pill or spot treatment directly onto the skin.

Medicated baths are also an option for dogs with fleas. Several shampoos in the market have been scientifically formulated to get rid of ticks and fleas. After giving the dogs a bath, owners should brush through their pet’s fur in order to make sure that they got rid of all the fleas and its eggs.

Veterinarians remind owners that dogs and cats are different from each other hence products designed for dogs should not be used on cats and vice-versa.

The Scratching Cat

Signs that a cat may have fleas include grooming themselves excessively, acting restless or uncomfortable, and losing some of their fur. If your cat is showing any of these symptoms, it is best to examine them for fleas.

While conducting a flea check on cats, owners must remember to watch out for any signs of movement in their fur to determine the exact spot where fleas are hiding. In order to get rid of fleas and its eggs on their cat’s fur, cat owners may comb through their pets with a flea comb or a fine-tooth metal comb, a give their cat a medicated bath, and follow a regular preventive care program.

Eliminate the Fleas in your Home

Flea infestation must be taken seriously because it affects dogs and cats. Sometimes these pests will bite humans. Most pet owners focus all their efforts on getting rid of the fleas found in their pets that they often forget to eliminate the ones found in their home. Unbeknownst to many, fleas can also live within pet beddings, creases on the wall, and in the lawn.

Owners must regularly wash their pet’s beddings and vacuum the house, especially the carpets, in order to get rid of any flea that might be hiding in there. It is also advisable to mow the lawn regularly because these tiny pests often thrive in warm, moist, shady areas with organic debris.

Aside from the tips listed above, pet owners are encouraged to consult with their local veterinarian of the best methods to deal and exterminate fleas from their home.

PFI is committed in informing pet owners about pet nutrition and proper pet care to keep pets healthy and happy. Through its local initiative, Well-Fed, Well-Nurtured campaign in partnership with the Veterinary Practitioners Association of the Philippines (VPAP), PFI seeks to advocate responsible pet ownership to the ever-growing Filipino pet community.

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