At Copper Hill Animal Clinic we generally see two to four flea cases in an entire year. We are lucky in Santa Clarita that we are not troubled with fleas nearly as frequently as other geographical locations. Uncharacteristically, we have seen nine cases already this year. We are suspicious that weather changes may be increasing flea populations and wanted to warn clients so they can prevent this irritating scourge.
The flea life cycle is three months long. It starts with the female laying eggs, which fall off the pet and sprinkle over the floor. As the eggs hatch, baby fleas jump back onto the pet and start feeding.
Many excellent flea products are available and if the flea jumps onto a treated pet that flea will be killed in hours, sometimes in minutes depending on the product used. We can go after the eggs and kill them with a tool almost everyone has – the vacuum cleaner! A flea egg will hatch out in response to heat and carbon dioxide. People and animals emit heat and carbon dioxide, but fortunately vacuum cleaners do too. Studies have shown that 95 percent of fleas that are sucked up in the vacuum are killed immediately. It’s easy to see how vacuuming the entire floor every day for several days in a row would decimate the flea population very quickly.
Many flea products are available out there. Only your veterinarian can assess all of your pets needs and help you make the best and safest choice. Some medications sold over the counter last less than a week, which is not enough to stop the flea life cycle. Other products can cause serious side effects in certain species. At Copper Hill Animal Clinic, some of the flea products we offer will kill fleas for three months, some kill all the fleas within 30 minutes. There is a flea product out there that is perfect for your pets needs. Our doctors spend a lot of time researching the safest and least toxic products available so we only offer the best.
Proper flea control can mean a better life for you and your pet!
Please call Copper Hill Animal Clinic at 661-296-8848 to schedule an appointment.