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August 11, 2008 - Understanding and Acknowledging Fleas
Understanding and Acknowledging Fleas
When pet owners are asked what they dread most about the summer months, the answer that invariably comes up most often is fleas! Although fleas can be a problem for your dogs year round, the flea population typically explodes about 5–6 weeks after the weather starts to warm. Protecting your dog from fleas is an important part of responsible dog care.
Did you know . . . ?
How do you know if your furry companion has fleas?
- Adult fleas are parasites that feed on the blood of the host animal by biting and sucking blood.
- Worldwide, there are over 2,000 species of fleas and several hundred different types of fleas in America.
- Fleas thrive in temperatures of 65–80 degrees Fahrenheit, humidity levels above 70 percent and below 5000 feet elevation. However, don’t be fooled; these pests can also live outside of these parameters.
- Fleas have four main stages in their life cycle: egg, larva, pupa, and adult.
- Once the flea reaches adulthood, its primary goal is to find blood. Adult fleas must feed on blood in order to reproduce.
- In one day, a single female flea can lay up to 50 eggs.
- Once a flea gets on a dog or cat, it hangs on. It will not jump from host to host, as some might assume. Fleas spread by spreading their eggs. Once the fleas hatch from their pupae, they hop aboard their host and begin their blood-sucking ways and produce more eggs.
- The eggs aren't sticky—some may quickly fall off your dog and into areas of your home. The flea eggs can hatch in around 1–10 days, depending on conditions.
- The total flea life cycle can range from a couple of weeks to two years, depending on environmental conditions. That is why it is so important to remain vigilant, even when a flea problem is thought to be under control!
The best way to prevent or rid your dog of fleas is to see your veterinarian for advice on your specific situation. Your veterinarian can recommend safe and effective products for preventing and controlling fleas as well as determining exactly what you need.
- Your dog is scratching or biting himself intensely.
- Red or reddish brown shapes are jumping or moving around in your dog’s fur, especially around the neck or the base of the tail.
- You see "flea dirt" or fleas feces, which looks like dark specks of pepper scattered on the skin surface or on your dog’s bedding. Pick some off your dog and place it on a wet paper towel. If after a few minutes, the tiny specks spread out like a small blood stain, it's definitely flea dirt and your pet has fleas!
About Bark Busters:
Bark Busters, the world's largest, most trusted dog training company, started in Australia in 1989 and came to the United States in 2000. Since inception, nearly 400,000 dogs have been trained worldwide using its dog-friendly, natural methods. With 250+ franchised offices in 42 states and more than 400 offices in 10 countries, Bark Busters is continuing its mission to build a global network of dog behavioral therapists to enhance responsible dog ownership and reduce the possibility of maltreatment, abandonment and euthanasia of companion dogs. Bark Busters is the only international dog training company that offers a written lifetime guarantee. SPCA International selected Bark Busters dog behavioral training services as the “Best of the Best” in its category. No other training company or dog trainer received such a distinction. To fetch a trainer in your area, call 1-877-500-BARK (2275) or visit www.BarkBusters.com, where dog owners can complete a Dog Behavioral Quiz to rate their dogs' behavior.
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