Flea Bites...A Potentially Dangerous Nuisance

Flea bites may be merely a nuisance to some pets, but to others, they can be dangerous. They can cause flea allergy dermatitis--an allergic reaction to proteins in flea saliva.

A pet's constant scratching to rid itself of fleas can cause permanent hair loss and other skin problems. A pet can get a tapeworm if it eats a flea that has one. And flea feasts on your pet's blood can lead to anemia and, in rare cases, death.

Fleas are truly devoted to their work. In one day, one of these little politians can bite and


feast on your dogs blood more than 400 times. During that same day, the flea can consume more than its body weight of your pet's blood. And before it's through, a female flea can lay hundreds of eggs on your pet, ensuring that its work will be carried on by generations to come.

To prevent flea bites and clean up a flea infestation in a house, sprays and foggers are somewhat effective. Just make sure to treat all dark areas. Turn up sofa cushions, and spray well under sofas and chairs.

Obviously foggers alone cannot reach all of the dark places where fleas are. Vacuum daily, changing the vacuum-cleaner bag each time. Otherwise, flea eggs will hatch in the bag, and fleas will then jump out of the vacuum cleaner when it is turned on.

The worst thing pet owners can do is shampoo their carpets, as this provides the moisture fleas need. The most effective method of treating a house is to contact a professional exterminator.

Ask that they use a "desiccant," which is a product that dries up fleas and flea eggs and is not harmful to people or pets. It is crucial that pets and homes be treated at the same time.

When treating your pets-- flea collars are minimally effective at best and are not recommended. There are some very effective and more highly recommended flea control products available. The "Spot On" type treatments from Frontline Plus and Advantage are gaining popularity among veterinarians and consumers as being one of the more effective preventative measures for controlling fleas and ticks.