What to Do If Your Pets Have Fleas
Fleas are a common problem for pets, and they can be a nuisance to both your pets and you. If you think your pet may have fleas, there are a few things you can do to confirm their presence and treat the infestation.
How to Tell if Your Pet Has Fleas
There are a few signs that may indicate that your pet has fleas:
- Scratching: Fleas can cause intense itching, so your pet may scratch excessively.
- Biting: Fleas bite your pet's skin to feed, so you may see small red bumps on their skin.
- Hair loss: Fleas can cause hair loss in some pets.
- Tapeworm infection: Fleas can carry tapeworms, so if your pet has fleas, they may also have a tapeworm infection.
- Restlessness: Fleas can make your pet restless and uncomfortable, so they may have difficulty sleeping or concentrating.
How to Treat Fleas in Your Pet
If you confirm that your pet has fleas, there are a few things you can do to treat the infestation:
- Give your pet a bath: Use a pet-safe flea shampoo to kill fleas on your pet's skin.
- Apply a topical flea treatment: Topical flea treatments are available over the counter or by prescription from your veterinarian. These treatments kill fleas on contact and can help prevent future infestations.
- Treat your pet's environment: Fleas can lay eggs in your pet's bedding, furniture, and other areas of your home. Vacuum your home thoroughly and wash your pet's bedding in hot water to kill fleas and their eggs.
- Prevent future infestations: Once you have treated your pet's flea infestation, it is important to take steps to prevent future infestations. Keep your pet's environment clean, and consider using a monthly flea prevention treatment to keep fleas away.
When to Call Your Veterinarian
In some cases, you may need to take your pet to the veterinarian for treatment for fleas. If your pet has a severe flea infestation, they may need oral medication or injections to kill fleas and prevent future infestations. Additionally, if your pet has a tapeworm infection, your veterinarian can prescribe medication to treat the infection.
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