One of the symptoms to look out for in your pet is severe itching. It is important to note that, some pets are more allergic to fleas that the others. Therefore, just a bite on a pet that is allergic might cause severe itching, while on ones that are not allergic, there might be no severe itching. This makes it a bit difficult to know a flea-infested pet. But the good thing is that, fleas generally have big sizes which make them easily spotted. So the first thing you should do is check your pets to confirm if there is any flea on its body. If you cannot find any visible sign, you can determine whether your pet has severe allergy to flea or there is a flea infestation. 

If you do not visibly find fleas on your pets, it does not necessarily mean that they are not flea-infested. It is possible for a single flea bite to lead to a really severe flea infestation. Whether or not you find fleas on your pets, there are other signs that you need to look out for, to determine whether it is flea-infested or not.

Check that part where your pet is perpetually biting, even to the extent of taking out some hair within it. Are there red patches around that part of the skin? Look out for those red patches. You also need to look out for flea fecal material, or flea dirt or poop, as it is also called. In most cases, this is usually found within the stomach area or around the back, near your pet’s tail. Also, look out for infected parts of the fur or skin that your pet constantly scratches. In extreme cases of severe infestations, there are other symptoms that you can look out for which includes an evidence of tapeworm. Check out for this small parasite around your pet’s anus or faces. Also look out for pale gums, they signal anemia. 

To protect your pets from fleas, you have to treat your pets and your home. It is necessary to treat both because research has shown that fleas have the ability to live and survive for several months without a host. Also, it is necessary that you keep your environment very clean. Use flea treatments that are friendly to both your pets and the environment. Make sure that the inside of your home is very clean, and make sure that the carpet is well mobbed. Clean the chair cushions, beneath the sofa and chairs, blankets and beds. You can as well wash the beds and blankets. Make sure that there is no hiding space for fleas. There are so many oral and topical preventatives that could be used in different situations; some may be suitable for some pets and not suitable for pets of other species. A vet doctor can determine which is best for your own peculiar situation.

The most optimum way of getting your pets rid of fleas is to see a vet doctor. However, there are basic do-it-yourself steps that you can take in fighting the battle of these insects. The first thing you should do is to give your pet a thorough bath. Make sure that you use soap and warm water. The essence of the soap is that, it doesn’t allow fleas to grasp into your pet’s hair shaft. When you apply soap and water, the fleas will fall into the water and get drown. 

You can as well add vinegar to the soapy water. A gauge of a cup is enough. The odor that comes from vinegar is very irritable to the bugs that they will definitely neglect your pet. Also, citrus is such a great flea killer. They find the odor that comes out of it very repellent.

You can also get some special pet shampoo. There are products that are very effective and environment-friendly.

You can also brush your pet with a flea comb, after bath. That will trap any flea that is yet to die. Make sure you do this outdoors, so that you don’t end up making the fleas and eggs fall on your floors. Anywhere you do it, make sure the area is well-vacuumed once you are done. You can keep repeating this entire procedure for as long as it suits your pet.

There are medications that you can use, but make sure you use them following the right prescription and dosage. You can also use certain oils on your pets, if you don’t like chemicals on them. Rubbing citrus all over their fur will make them smell good, attack the fleas and won’t cause any harm to your pets if they lick it. Finally, try as much as possible to keep your pets indoors for about thirty days after this whole procedure, so that they can be prevented from any form of re-infestation.

Alliance Pest Services offers a variety of flea and tick programs to keep your home and pest flea free.  Call today to learn more about the flea and tick lawn and pest control services that we offer.