To check for signs of fleas place your pet on newspaper and brush it. Look for flea dirt on the brush or paper. Flea dirt will dissolve into red liquid if moistened with a drop of water. You can also look for fleas or flea dirt on your pet, mostly around the base of your pet's tail and on the belly.
Fleas jump or crawl; they don't fly.
Anti-flea pet products available include pills, flea combs, dips, shampoos, sprays, foams, and powders. Pills must be prescribed by a veterinarian and will only kill the flea after it bites the pet.
Work topical products into the coat so that they contact all the skin, including the face. Dips, sprays, and foams that can be applied to the face and underparts with a sponge are usually more effective. Read and follow all label directions! You can accidentally poison your pet by using products improperly.
Your veterinarian can provide you with safe, effective flea control products for your home and pet.
Remove fleas from your house and yard. Vacuum your house and wash pet bedding to remove fleas, eggs, and larvae. Immediately discard the vacuum bag. Use "flea bombs" to fog your house with insecticide. Products containing "insect growth regulator" kill eggs or larvae as well as adult fleas and need to be repeated less often.
Use a premise spray to get under furniture where your pet lies. Yard sprays are available from your veterinarian or garden supply store.
Prevent re infestation. Re-treat the house, yard and pet at intervals recommended by the product's manufacturer. Products without insect growth regulators will probably need to be repeated every 2 to 3 weeks as eggs and larvae mature.
Hot, humid conditions favor flea reproduction.
If fleas are not reintroduced into the house by a pet that goes outside, indoor only cats are likely to remain flea free.
Tapeworm is transmitted by fleas. Have your veterinarian check your pet for this parasite.
