Keep Fleas Off Your Bird Dogs
Writing by Admin on Wednesday, 28 of January , 2009 at 3:44 am
Summer brings along with it fleas in every nook and cranny of your yard. As a responsible pet owner, you need to know what flea treatments are available for us. Not only do you need to prevent eggs from turning into pupae, you also want to make sure that you treat your hunting dogs and your pets bedding, and other areas where he plays and sleeps. Fortunately, we have Pyrethrin which is an insecticide which has been proven to be both safe and effective. Combine that with Methoprene and Fenoxycarb and you can prevent not just fleas but eggs and larvae as well.
Fleas are difficult to kill – their pupa are resistant to most insecticides because of the cocoon they wrap themselves in – and this often results in new fleas being hatched about two weeks after you perform a treatment. What most people don’t realize is that the lifespan of a flea can vary from as little as two (2) weeks to as much as eight (8) months. If you fail to kill the pupa before they hatch you have to start the entire process all over again.
Flea Baths
When you wash your dog with flea bath using special flea shampoo, any live fleas will be killed. A flea dip is very strong and excessively laden with chemicals, so use them with care and only in severe situations. Stay away from flea dips if you have small children at home.
Spot On Medications
These easy to use once a month treatments are designed to kill adult fleas and are dispensed directly to your dogs skin beginning at the neck typically and going down the top of their back. Before you use this type of treatment, check and see if they also prevent the growth of eggs and/or larvae. Your dog should be at least two month old before you use this type of treatment and check the label for reduced potency if your dog is bathed often or enjoys swimming.
Pill Flea Treatment
Perhaps one of the easiest and most effective flea control is this one for the simple reason that it acts similar to birth control! These pills are effective for one month and they sterilize any flea that bites your dog preventing them from laying eggs before they die. The other advantage of this treatment is that it doesn’t wash off making it ideal for dogs that stay indoors.
Natural Methods
Today more and more of us are looking for more natural treatments for fleas. It’s really not that difficult to naturally treat fleas, it can be done with dried pennyroyal, pyrethrum powder or diatomaceous earth. The process is simple: Vacuum carpeting, furniture pillows and dg bedding, Get rid of the vacuum cleaner bag (throw it away or burn it), Wash all washable items in the hottest water that’s safe for the fabrics.
Clean from inside out
All of our dogs love to cuddle in their beds, on furniture and even on the carpeting. Unfortunately, these areas are favorite hiding spots for fleas as well. Vacuuming and treating all areas completely and thoroughly are the secret to success, however make sure that you don’t leave the bag in the vacuum or you’re just going to create a new nest for them. Your dog’s bed and bedding should be washed at least weekly in hot water to help prevent re-infestation.
If your dog loves to be outside and play under your porch, in your flower bed or in other areas that are wet and shady remember these are favorites of fleas too. If you fully mow and rake your yard and remove all dead leaves in your plant beds and under your shrubbery, you’ll at least minimize the possibility of offering a home to the fleas. Make sure you treat these areas with the appropriate flea prevention insecticide to reduce the possibility. Other areas that are of interest to fleas (where your dog may play) is in areas of your home such as your basement or your garage where you typically won’t find carpeting. These areas should be mopped often and thoroughly to prevent flea larvae from forming and potentially hiding and breeding. Don’t overlook your pet carriers and of course your car – these areas should also be thoroughly cleaned and treated.
There are many foggers and sprays that are effective treatments of your home and yard. Read and follow the directions carefully. Heavily infested areas should be re-treated in 2 or 3 weeks.
Flea bites cause all kinds of problems for pets and people. Intense itching can lead to skin problems, hair loss and infections. A bad infestation can lead to anemia and tapeworms. Allergies to flea saliva can cause flea dermatitis. Getting rid of a flea infestation is imperative for the health of your pet. Following these steps will help your pet and your home stay flea free.
Category: Pets
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