Prevent Fleas This Season
Tiny fleas can cause big problems for your dog or cat. They jump from the environment to animals and their bites can be very itchy—especially in pets allergic to flea saliva. Excessive scratching can lead to skin infections. If you suspect that your pet has fleas, push back its fur and check the skin. Fleas leave “flea dirt,” which looks like black specks on the skin and is actually the fleas’ feces. Put a few of these black specks on a wet paper towel. If the spot turns red, your pet has fleas.
How Long Will Fleas Live on Your Pet?
A female adult flea can live for a few weeks on your pet and can lay 20 to 30 eggs a day. These eggs fall off the pet wherever it goes—outside, on your carpet, your bed and so forth.
Within a few days, the eggs develop into larvae, which feed on such nutrients as skin scales. The larvae then form cocoons, like a caterpillar. They will hatch when they detect heat, vibrations or even exhaled carbon dioxide, all signs that an animal (or human) is nearby. The flea then jumps onto its host. That is why it’s crucial to treat both your pet and its environment for fleas.
Most treatments eliminate the adult fleas while they are on your pet. Four of the most popular topical treatments are Advantage®, Frontline® Plus, K9Advantix® and Revolution®. Be wary of using products containing permethrins on cats, as this can cause toxicity. Ask your veterinarian which product is best for your pet.
Program® is an oral treatment given once a month for dogs and cats, or by injection every six months for cats. It doesn’t kill adult fleas, but stops eggs from hatching, effectively ending the lifecycle. Sentinel® is another insect growth regulator that works by preventing the eggs from hatching.
There are also non-prescription products such as powders, shampoos, collars and sprays. These may temporarily reduce the number of fleas, but may not be as effective as products recommended by your veterinarian. Use flea combs regularly to help detect an infestation early.
VPI Reimburses Treatment Costs
VPI’s Pet Well Care Protection coverage recognizes the need to keep your pet flea-free. With either the Core or Premier coverage, policyholders are reimbursed up to $50 for flea preventive medication.