All About Veterinary Care For Pets

If you have dogs or cats, then you'll want to be proactive about controlling fleas. Preventing them is much easier and much gentler on your pets than trying to get rid of an infestation. Talk to a veterinarian about the best way to prevent fleas on your pets. A monthly flea treatment could be the safest and best form of protection. If your pets already have fleas, then here are some treatments that might help.

Vacuum Frequently

It's frightening to see your dog or cat covered with fleas, but the scarier part is that the fleas you see are just a tiny representation of the fleas in your house when you have an infestation. You'll need to work diligently at getting the fleas out of your home. One thing that helps is to vacuum your house frequently until the fleas are under control. Pay special attention to the areas where your pets like to sleep and spend most of their time. Toss a flea collar into the canister of the vacuum so fleas that hop around inside it are killed before they can jump out. Then, empty the canister outdoors in the garbage bin to remove the fleas from your house.

Use Spray From Your Veterinarian

Once fleas invade your home, you'll probably want professional help to get rid of them fast. A good option is to buy flea sprays for your home from your veterinarian. Professional products are high quality, safe when used properly, and effective. Your vet can explain how to use the product in a way that doesn't harm your pet. You may need to spray your carpet and pet bedding to keep killing off fleas until they are gone for good. If you buy flea spray from a grocery store, be sure to use it according to the label instructions and don't spray it on your pets. Using flea killers inappropriately can make your pets sick or even kill them. 

Treat New Fleas That Hatch

You'll probably breathe a sigh of relief when you don't see fleas any longer, but brace yourself for another round when the next generation of fleas reach adulthood. Expect their return and treat your home in the same manner again with frequent vacuuming and using treatments recommended by your veterinarian. Just don't double up on flea treatments for your pets without your vet's approval. If your dog and cat receive monthly treatments, they shouldn't need additional flea baths, sprays, or a flea collar. The monthly treatments are prescribed according to weight so they get the exact dose they need. Giving your pet extra because of a new generation of fleas could overdose your pet and cause health complications.