Fleas are all-too-common visitors to both cats and dogs. Contrary to many myths, they are equally at home in a clean house as a dirty one so you needn't be embarrassed to ask for help with controlling them. Over 1 million people in the UK are completely unaware that they live in the same house as a dog that has fleas*.
*Source - ESCCAP 2014
The Effects of Fleas
Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD)
Flea bites can trigger an allergic reaction (most commonly in cats), resulting in hair loss and skin problems. Their skin will become red and inflamed and if aggravated may begin to ooze pus, which is not only incredibly painful but can lead to infection.
Iron Deficiency & Anaemia
Fleas can drink up to 15 times their own weight in blood per day, so a heavy flea infestation can lead to iron deficiency and anaemia. Symptoms include pale gums, acting tired, weak, or listless, faster-than-normal pulse, lack of appetite, weight loss and eating dirt.
Severe Itching and Scratching
Scratching makes the itching worse and can result in fur loss and bleeding skin.
Tapeworm Infestation
Fleas act as a host for tapeworm so a flea infestation often brings a Tapeworm infestation too. It's important to worm your pets on a regular basis, typically every three months.
Spread of Disease
Fleas can carry and spread diseases that affect both humans and animals.
The Effects of Fleas
The entire cycle, from egg to adult flea, is complete in 12 – 22 days when temperature and humidity conditions are ideal, but more commonly takes 3 – 4 weeks and that's enough.
Does my pet have fleas?
Scratching & Overgrooming
A clear indication of a flea infestation is when the cat or dog is constantly scratching him/herself and over grooming.
Where to Check
The best places to check to see if your pet is infested with fleas are the waist, the neck, behind the ears and the 'armpits'. These places are the warmest and fleas will often gather in such areas.
Our Simple Paper Test
Stand your pet on a damp piece of newspaper and comb through their coat. If they have fleas, tiny specks of flea dirt will fall onto the paper and absorb the moisture, forming pink halos around them.
