January 2012, Dr. Nicole Velotta, DVM

Is your dog or cat constantly itching? Fleas are the most common external parasite found on both the cat and dog.   They are also one of the top causes of an itchy pet. Fleas spend their entire adult life on a host with an average life span of 6 – 24 months. During this time they produce eggs, which fall off of the host and hatch into larvae. Larvae then undergo three molts then spin cocoons in which pupa develop. Pupa are a very durable stage and can survive up to one year in the environment until conditions are right for them to hatch into an adult flea. These newly hatched fleas seek out a new host.

Fleas can cause many problems for cats and dogs including hypersensitivity (allergy reactions), anemia, and tapeworms. 

Some cats and dogs are allergic to flea saliva (contains histamine-like substance and antigens) and experience severe reactions such as extreme itchiness followed by self-inflicted trauma (from itching) that can lead to skin infections. The severity of the reaction does not correspond to the number of fleas present on the pet, meaning that a single fleabite in a flea allergic pet can cause a severe reaction. It is even more important in these pets to keep them on a yearly flea preventative. When flea infestations are significant enough, they can cause severe anemia (blood loss). This is especially true in young animals.  

Dogs and cats that have fleas most often are also infected with tapeworms. This is because fleas are the intermediate host for tapeworms. Animals become infected with tapeworms when they eat an infected flea. This is why it is important to de-worm your pet as well as treat them for fleas.

In order to get rid of fleas it is important to treat both the pet and the environment. At Helping Hands Veterinary Clinic we recommend using a topical product for your pet called Revolution. It kills adult fleas, larvae, and eggs.  It is also effective against ticks, many types of mites, and in prevention of heartworm disease.  It is very easy to apply to your pet.  For a how to video please visit our website. There also is a new product available for dogs called Trifexis.  It is a monthly beef flavored chewable tablet that kills fleas, prevents heartworm disease, and controls adult hookworm, whipworm, and roundworm infections.

It is also very important to treat the environment. Vacuuming should be done daily and washing of bedding weekly.  We also recommend the product Fleabusters. It is a powdered product that is applied to carpets to kill fleas.

Fleas are much easier to prevent than get rid of! For a happy, healthy pet make sure to keep them on a flea preventative year round.   

Dr. Nicole Velotta, DVM