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Fleas
Fleas are
bloodsucking insects that feed on you and your animal’s
blood. The first time you might notice fleas is when
they bite you and your family. The bites show up as
small, red, itchy bumps on the ankles and lower legs.
Fleas will infest your home year round but are more
of a problem in warm weather. Fleas can live from
18 days to one year and can survive without a meal
for four months. Eggs are laid when the female flea
starts feeding on the blood of your animal. These eggs
fall off of the animal and into your carpet, furniture,
etc. Some fleas carry tapeworm larvae, which can infect
your animal.
PREVENTION AND TREATMENT
• Keep your animal away from unfamiliar animals,
especially wild animals.
• Vacuum and clean the carpet, furniture, and
the animal’s bedding repeatedly to remove fleas
and eggs.
• All animals in the home must be treated for
fleas as well.
• Fleas on your animal can be controlled with many
different treatments available from your vet.
• Ask your vet or a pest control company for
the best way to treat your home and yard for fleas.
SYMPTOMS
• Excessive biting, scratching and rubbing by
animal.
• Small but visible brownish-black bugs. These
are the fleas and they move fast so make a thorough
examination.
• Multiple skin irritations caused by the flea
bites.
• Noticeable “flea dirts;” these
are the small black feces of the flea.
TO TEST FOR FLEAS
• Moisten a sheet of white paper and hold it
under your animal.
• Briskly comb the animal’s fur. Any “flea
dirt” which falls onto the paper will produce
a visible red blood stain.
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