Sunday, August 7, 2011

Canine Flea Treatments

Fleas are a major worry that all pet owners eventually have to cope with. Anybody who owns a dog has almost certainly gone through the unpleasant task of trying to get rid of dog fleas, a task that has frequently proved to be more difficult than it appears.

Fleas aren't only a problem because they bite and bring about hours of irritating scratching and itching for your dog, but they can also cause additional dangerous concerns including flea allergies, tapeworm infestations and anemia in extreme occurrences.

Due to their astonishing hardiness, fleas are very problematic to keep under control. A female flea can lay over 2,000 eggs during the course of her existence, this indicates that infections can occur briskly and the eggs that are laid could survive for quite a while in her habitat while merely waiting on an appropriate target. For this reason it is crucial to eradicate both the fleas on the animal and the fleas living in the animal's living area. The best spots to find fleas are bedding, carpeting, rugs and sand.

How to Get Rid of Fleas on Dogs

Before contmeplating the treatments available for getting rid of fleas on dogs and in his environment, it is fundamental to know the life span of the flea. There are four phases that form the life cycle of the flea. Similar to the majority of insects, the fleas begins in the egg stage, turns into larva, and then matures into the pupa phase until lastly making it to the adult phase.

The Flea Egg Stage

The fleas eggs are ashen in color and are so minute that they are difficult to see without using a magnifying glass. Despite the fact that the eggs are originally laid on the canine's skin, many will eventually fall onto the ground to continue their expedition to an adult. Around half of the entire flea count is comprised of eggs. Dependant upon the living conditions, the eggs hatch in anywhere from two to four weeks. The higher the temperature and moistness in the environment, the more rapidly the eggs will hatch.

The Flea's Larva Stage

Once the flea egg hatches, it goes into the larva phase where it enlarges to approximately 1/4 inch in length. The flea larva survive on natural waste substances and on the feces of the adult flea. They are uncomfortable in intense light and tend to disappear deep inside their existing living area, if at all possible in a warm and muggy area. Climate controlled habitats are the ideal setting for the life cycle of the flea to thrive. Outdoors, larva growth will only come about in moist, shady spots.

The Flea Pupa Stage

Immediately upon moving into the pupa phase, the flea pupae stem a silky and gummy protective chrysalis. This cocoon promptly structures a convenient hiding place as it gets covered by waste and soil. If stimulated by temperature, carbon dioxide or by physical pressure, such as in a hot and humid setting, an adult flea can surface from its chrysalis in as little as five to ten days. As soon as the adult flea comes out of the cocoon, it may subsist for only a couple of days if it's not able to feed. Pre-emerged adult fleas can survive in the cocoon for as many as 9 months. This is important because adult fleas still existing in the cocoon are resilient to insect repellents spread over the environment and can appear a significant time after you utilize insecticides in your house.

The Flea's Adulthood Stage

Once the adult flea appears from its chrysalis, it must rapidly find a host because it needs blood if it is to exist. A few days after obtaining a suitable host, the female flea will start laying approximately 40 eggs each day. Adult fleas generally live as long as 3 weeks. The full lifecycle of a flea can be finished in as quickly as 2 to 4 weeks, or up to 10 months contingent to the surrounding climatic conditions.

Canine Flea Treatments

There are a lot of sprays, powders, shampoos and on the spot preparations around to free your dog of fleas. Be certain to consult with a vet to pick the truly helpful and reliable flea insecticides for your residence and dog.

Indoor Canine Flea Treatments

Nearly all insecticides are only useful against the adult flea, but environmental preparations are becoming more refined. A veterinarian can offer you flea insecticides containing insect growth regulators that will help terminate the larvae and flea eggs. Before spreading any indoor product, it's a good idea vacuum your carpets and rugs to entice the pre-adult fleas to emerge from their protective cocoon. Be certain to throw away the vacuum bag after its use. You must also clean all bedding the dog has rested on.

Outdoor Canine Flea Treatments

Concentrate on dark, shady spaces. Apply an insecticide made of an insect growth regulator and duplicate it every 2-3 weeks for three to five treatments.

The newer topical and oral flea products ought to considerably help you take care of any flea crisis. With persistence and fortitude, you and your best friend ought to be flea free in a flash!

Additional Information Sources