Summer is the season of all things fun: sunshine, bonfires, beaches, and lakes.  But unfortunately for our pets, it’s also a very itchy time of year.  Not only can seasonal allergies cause our dogs and cats to scratch, but there are also an abundance of pesky fleas that like to bite our furry friends. 

Our pets get infested when fleas jump onto them from the environment, or from close contact with another infested animal.  Fleas are like tiny vampires – these little insects, only about the size of a pinhead, take blood meals from our pets in order to survive.  And when they bite, they cause our dogs and cats to scratch.  The level of itchiness that fleas cause depends on the individual pet.  Some pets simply scratch because of the annoying sensation of lots of fleas crawling on and biting them.  Some dogs and cats are actually allergic to fleas, so even one flea bite can cause extremely intense itching.  

So what should you do if you suspect your pet has fleas?  First, look through your pets’ fur for evidence of fleas.  You might see the small insects themselves, or you may find flea dirt.  Flea dirt appears as little black specks on your pets’ skin.  You can differentiate it from regular dirt by taking some of those specks and placing them on a wet paper towel – if it turns a reddish color in the moisture, it’s flea dirt!  Check your pet all over, but especially in the “pants region” – around the base of the tail, inner thighs, and belly.  Now that you’ve confirmed that your dog or cat has fleas, call your veterinarian for treatment options and recommendations!

To get rid of fleas, it is important to not only treat the itchy pet, but also ALL pets in the household, as well as your home itself.  For dogs, we recommend using Nexgard or Vectra 3D to get rid of (and prevent!) fleas.  Nexgard is a chewable medication that kills fleas and ticks, and the manufacturer is giving away the first dose for free to try. Vectra 3D is a topical medication that kills fleas and ticks and repels biting insects like mosquitos, flies, lice, fleas, ticks and mites. They are running a special if you buy 6 doses you get 3 free.

For cats, we like Revolution.  This is a topical medication that kills fleas, prevents internal parasites, ear mites, and heartworms. If you buy 6 doses of this product you get 2 free.

In addition to treating your pets, it’s also important to treat your home so the fleas don’t just hide and wait for a new opportunity to bite.  Vacuuming areas your pets frequent two separate times, about 30 minutes apart, will get rid of the vast majority of the fleas hiding in flooring. Don't forget fleas hide in hardwood and laminate flooring as well as carpeting. 

Fleas are a hassle for both you and your pets.  The best way to avoid this problem is to use flea prevention all year round!  So before you go and enjoy all of those outdoor summer activities with your pets, make sure you pick up some flea prevention to prevent the itch!