Fleas can be very difficult to get rid of, but with proper flea treatment, you can drastically reduce the number of fleas and the discomfort it brings. While flea treatment does not necessarily make them more active, you may notice an increase in activity afterwards due to a few reasons.
First and foremost, getting rid of existing fleas will lead to a decrease in food sources for other existing ones. This can cause more fleas to leave their hiding places and become active in search of new food sources. This is usually seen immediately after treatment as the medication begins to take effect, however it should subside with time.
The increase in activity can also be due to the fleas’ reaction to the chemicals found in some treatments. Some of these treatments contain ingredients that are designed to repel or even kill fleas and their eggs on contact – but this also has an effect on live ones too. Many times this leads them to become confused by the unfamiliar scent of the chemical or repellant, leading them seek an environment away from this smell (i.e., your pet). The result is an increased level of activity before eventually dying off completely or leaving for greener pastures (or carpets).
It is important that you follow the recommendations provided by your veterinarian when it comes to treating your pet for fleas; these treatments have been proven time and time again as effective solutions against nuisance https://www.serestocollars.net/product/seresto-flea-tick-collar-for-large-dogs-2-pack/ pests like fleas. However, if you observe any sudden spikes in activity following treatment, please consult with your veterinarian immediately just as a precautionary measure and also provide updates on how long this activity continues for so they can adjust their recommended doses accordingly.
What are the signs of fleas?
If you’re wondering if fleas have invaded your home, there are a few tell-tale signs that can help you diagnose the problem.
First of all, flea bites typically show up as raised, itchy red bumps on exposed skin. Depending on the person’s sensitivities small bumps can also be visible around their neck and legs. You may also observe your pet scratching more than usual and possibly licking or chewing at the fur around their neck or tail. In severe infestations, small tiny specks that appear to move may be seen in animal fur near the top of their spine. These specks are actually flea eggs which will hatch into larvae within 1 – 18 days after being laid.
Finally, when disturbed by light or movement of their environment, adult fleas are observed hopping!
Knowing what to look for is just one step in managing your flea problem – it’s important to treat both your pet and property with a flea treatment for best results.
How do you know if your pet has fleas?
If you’re wondering if your pet has fleas, there’s a simple test you can do to check for them. First, look for «flea dirt» – little black specks on your pet’s fur or skin. Flea dirt is actually digested blood and it looks like dried coffee grounds.
Next, part the fur of your pet and look for small, dark moving creatures that could be fleas. They will typically be jumping around, and they are often very hard to spot due to their coloration.
Finally, apply a bit of alcohol onto a piece of white paper and brush some hair from your pet onto it. If any beetles start hopping around, chances are that’s fleas in your pet’s fur! This method works best if you don’t already have a flea treatment program in place as the solution may kill any remaining fleas on the paper before they can show up clearly.
Overview of flea treatments
Flea treatments are an important aspect of keeping your pet healthy and free from parasites. There are several types of flea treatments that may be recommended by a veterinarian, depending on the severity of the infestation and any underlying health issues in your pet. These treatments range from topical medications to oral pills, powders, sprays, shampoos, and flea collars.
Topical medications are applied to the back of your pet’s neck in liquid form. These pesticides act by killing fleas on contact but won’t prevent future infestations. Oral pills are one-time doses that eliminate existing fleas as well as preventing reinfestation for up to three months. Powders, sprays, and shampoos also kill on contact while providing some residual repellency against reinfestation. Lastly, flea collars slowly release active ingredients over time to repel and kill pests; however, they can be irritating to pets with sensitive skin.
Whichever method you choose for treatment will depend on what works best for your pet – keep in mind that it can take multiple applications for successful flea control.
Is your pet getting worse after treatment?
If your pet is getting worse after flea treatment, this could be because the fleas are actively reproducing. Fleas can reproduce in cycles of 2-3 weeks, so if the flea treatment wasn’t applied consistently or properly, you could end up with new fleas hatching faster than they can be killed by the solution.
Another possibility is that the flea treatment is not strong enough to kill all of the adult fleas and their eggs. Be sure to research and find a quality flea treatment specifically formulated for your pet’s size and weight. Some products may take more time to work than others, so it’s important to follow all directions when administering treatments.
Finally, if you’ve treated your pet but still see signs of fleas, you should consult with a veterinarian who can provide advice on further steps you may need to take.
What can you do to prevent a flea infestation?
Prevention is the key to avoiding a flea infestation. The best way to do this is with regular vacuuming and deep cleaning of your home. Be sure to vacuum all carpets, furniture, pet beds and any other areas where your pet spends time. Every two weeks, vacuum out the canister or dump it into a sealed plastic bag and discard outside.
If you have pets that go outside, consider investing in an insecticidal collar. These attach around your pet’s neck and slowly release chemicals that keep pests away. Make sure to replace the collar regularly so it remains effective.
Bathe your pets regularly to help eliminate fleas and eggs from their fur. When outdoors, use a flea comb after every walk to remove visible pests from your pet’s coat. It also helps to consistently groom them by brushing or raking their fur at least once a week during flea season.
Finally, seek professional help if you suspect a flea infestation in your home or on any of your pets as soon as possible!