Reasons Your Pet Needs to be on Flea Prevention Medicine

More than just being an uncomfortable nuisance, fleas can be hazardous to your pet’s (or even your own) health and cause a lot of problems. As most people are aware, fleas stay alive by jumping on animals and biting them and feeding on their blood. When a flea bites your pet (or even people in your home) they also deposit saliva which can cause severe skin irritation and hair loss. What’s even more troubling is that if the infestation is bad enough or the animal is small enough, they can actually get really sick or die from blood loss (anemia).

It is much easier to prevent fleas than to get rid of them. This is because by the time you see the fleas, it is almost certain that there are unhatched eggs and larva throughout your home. A female flea can lay up to 2,000 eggs in her lifetime. It can also take months or longer to fully get rid of fleas once there is an infestation. If the infestation is particularly bad, you may even have to hire an expert which can be expensive and extremely inconvenient.

There are some less common but still worrisome risks of fleas, as well. If your pet has fleas and grooms themselves, they are going to be ingesting some of the fleas. In some cases ingested fleas carry a tapeworm which can grow up to almost 30 inches in your pet’s intestines. They can also transit disease from one animal to the other.

Do not think that because you have only indoor cats that they are safe from fleas. Fleas can be and oftentimes are carried inside by attaching themselves to people. Fleas can also hitch a ride on mice or other rodents that come into your home. If you would like to begin or continue your pet’s flea prevention regimen, do not hesitate to call Creature Comfort Veterinary House Call Services in Kalamazoo today!