You’ve probably come across

little black bugs crawling through your dog’s fur.

Fleas are dogs and cats’ “greatest enemies”, aren’t they? Many people find it

difficult to get rid of this plague, especially in cases of infestation, but one must

know about the use of flea treatments and its ideal frequency to be successful

in this “war”.

It is not easy to get rid of fleas, as they mostly feed on the blood of mammals,

which means that dogs and cats are the “perfect restaurant” for them to stay

alive. Well, flea infestations in dogs often occur on the streets. However, the

real infestation takes place in your house, since the insect finds lots of

adequate places to spawn there. Then, the infestation begins. Fleas lay eggs

that can remain active for up to twelve months.

When a flea bites a pet, there is a stimulation of cells that release the so-called

histamine – which causes itching. That is why pets scratch the area of the bite

so much. In order to put an end to that, the use of flea treatments is essential,

but disinfecting the environment is also part of the process.

There are various flea treatments for pets available on the market, but the

veterinarian is the person who should always guide you through the

alternatives and their correct usage. You can go for pipettes, but the brands

available, protection given and dosage may vary. Puppies at least 4 weeks of

age can be treated. Medicine must be applied by pouring the medicine onto

your pet’s back, preferably in a place where it cannot lick it off.

Flea collars, on the other hand, last longer, but they are better for pets that live

in open places. It is necessary to pay attention to some dogs and cats’ allergic

reactions, since this alternative may cause skin irritation. Tablets could also be

used, but always follow vet’s advice. Whatever your choice is, continued

professional monitoring is very important to protect your pet’s health. In case

of infestation, the place must be kept clean after disinfection.

Dr. Luana Sartori

Veterinarian for Nutrire Indústria de Alimentos Ltd.