Fleas and parasites can cause pets to feel uncomfortable and stressed. Their discomfort and stress can cause problematic behavior changes such as excessive scratching, flank licking, over grooming, and fur loss in addition to crankiness and aggression. It’s in everyone’s best interest to prevent and eliminate fleas and parasites.
Boost Pets Immune System
Optimum pet health is the best defense against fleas and parasites. Pets with good immune systems and healthy skin have little or no reaction to flea bites and will have a reduced reaction to other parasites. Take the following steps to improve your pet’s general health and immune system function:
Improve Diet and Nutrition - Feed your pet food that is nutritionally adequate and free of harmful additives and fillers. Check with your vet about proper diet and nutrition and dietary supplements.
Exercise – Make every effort to provide adequate exercise opportunities for your pet since exercise is an outlet for stress and pent up energy. Reducing stress through exercise increases immune system function.
Grooming
Comb Pets - Brush and use a flea comb daily on your pet to remove fleas from their fur and skin.
Regular Baths – Bathing your pets regularly with warm water and gentle soap will reduce fleas and eggs. There is no need to use chemical flea shampoos, unless directed by a vet.
Eliminate Fleas and Parasites in the Home
Only a small portion of a flea’s life is spent on your pet’s body. Instead, fleas lay their eggs in carpets, curtains, upholstered furniture, pet and human bedding, and cracks and crevices of floors.
Vacuum – Frequent (even daily) vacuuming, especially around pet sleeping and eating areas is necessary. Vacuum carpets, curtains, upholstered furniture. After vacuuming, remove the vacuum bag, seal it in a plastic bag, and remove it from your home, to prevent fleas from returning and flea eggs from hatching in the vacuum bag in your home.
Launder pet bedding – Launder your pet’s bedding frequently in hot water with laundry detergent and tumble dry in a hot dryer.
Flea and Parasite Bombs – Unfortunately, in the case of a severe infestation, it may be necessary to use a commercial bomb or hire an exterminator. Consult with your vet, research the least potentially dangerous bomb, and follow the directions and cautionary statements.
All Natural Remedies
All natural remedies carry a lower risk than harsh chemicals; however they are not completely without risks. Not all natural remedies are safe and suitable for all pets. Always consult your vet to determine which is best for your individual pet.
The most promising all natural ingredient appears to be Diafomaceousearth, a type of fossilized powder-like algae that attaches to fleas and causes them to dehydrate and die. Again, check with your vet to determine the safety of this product for your pet.
Chemical Products
Consult with your vet and read all precautionary statements included with the packages for shampoos, powders, oils, sprays and collars, and bombs.
The two most common synthetic chemical pesticides, organophosphates and carbamares , can cause short term effects such as respiratory arrest and nerve-paralysis to both parasites and their host pets and long term effects such as kidney damage. These pesticides are not only hazardous to pets, but also human beings, especially children, who handle pesticide-treated pets. Extreme caution must be used if chemical products are chosen for controlling fleas and parasites.
Home - General Information
Your pet will thrive if you can provide him with a predictable, calm and safe home environment and schedule.
Pets like a predictable schedule. It is best for your pet if you can maintain the same schedule for their walks or exercise periods and meals. If you give them a treat after grooming them, they will expect this every time. The ability to predict these events lowers your pet’s stress.
Pets also have social needs. Dogs are pack animals, and many birds are pair-bonded or live in the wild in large flocks. Even a cat (who can be a bit of a loner) still needs regular attention from you. Part of creating a stress-free home environment includes addressing your animal’s social needs.
If you are
gone for long periods of time, your pet may become
lonely so pay attention to your animal when you are home. Sometimes this can be as simple as making space for them in
the rooms where you spend the most time. Put a dog bed down in
your family room. Encourage your cat to lie in your lap while you watch TV or read a book. Bring the bird cage into the room where you read your newspaper or chat with your family.
Consider how to prevent your pets from being lonely and to keep your pets stimulated while you are away. You may need to hire a pet sitter
or a dog walker,
buy a companion animal, buy special toys that make your pets play for food, or even leave out stuffed animals or a t-shirt that smells like you. It’s up to you to see that your pet remains stimulated but safe whenever you are away for more than a few hours at a time.
And finally, don’t forget, even you can be a source of stress in your animal at home. Animals can feel your stress and are more sensitive to your moods than you would think. If you are anxious or angry, your pet is going to notice.
You can learn more about how to create a predictable, calm and safe environment for your pet in the appropriate pages of this web site.
