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Since fleas thrive in warmer temperatures, many consider the pest to be a spring and summer risk. However, these blood-sucking parasites are quite common in the fall season. In fact, they’ve been reproducing all summer and their numbers are highest now until frost! That’s why you should ensure your furry companions are fully protected with flea prevention medication all year long. To illustrate the importance of this protection, here’s what you should know about fleas, fall, and pets.

Why Are Fleas Still a Risk In the Fall?

Increasing Humidity

In the early weeks of the fall, temperatures can still reach over 70 degrees. Pairing this climate with the humidity—caused by rainy weather—allows fleas to flourish and reproduce. As a result, animals still quickly attract the pests whenever they’re outdoors.

Indoor Warmth

pet medicationOnce the temperatures start to dip, fleas living outdoors will go dormant. However, eggs and larvae that have been hiding out indoors—such as in furniture or carpet fibers—will still be active and searching for an animal to feed on.

Thicker Coats

While it’s true that fleas can survive on short-haired cats and dogs, they tend to live longer on animals with thick coats. Unfortunately, many pets will grow extra fur in the fall to prepare for the coming cold season, making them a more attractive hiding spot for pests.

Why Are Fleas Dangerous for Pets?

Fleas are small, but when they spawn on your pet’s body, they can do significant damage. Many animals, for instance, have an allergy to flea saliva, causing them to scratch and gnaw at their skin incessantly. Eventually, this scratching leads to skin lesions, infections, and hair loss.

If a cat or dog has fleas for a long enough period, they can develop anemia due to blood loss. These pests also transmit tapeworms—a type of intestinal parasite that you usually have to eliminate with pet medication. Fleas can also transmit Bartonella infections (the agent responsible for cat scratch fever in people), which can make some pets very sick. Many cats with bartonella don’t show signs of disease, but can spread the bacteria to others if they get fleas.

How Can I Protect My Pet From Fleas?

Since fleas can infest your pet at any time of the year, you should continue using preventive solutions throughout every season. The best pet medication for your four-legged friend will vary depending on their breed and size, so asking your veterinarian for a recommendation is best. For most dogs, the oral flea and tick preventatives like Bravecto, Nexgard, or Simparica are the best choice. Cats can get the same cutting edge protection through topical Bravecto or Revolution Plus. The older brand name topical solution Frontline applied once a month is still a reliable alternative. The Seresto collar is another option for both dogs and cats, as long as it is applied tightly enough to be in contact with your pets skin.

 

Committed to keeping local pets healthy all year long, Montgomery Animal Hospital is an exceptional resource for all your flea and tick prevention needs. Offering comprehensive, individualized veterinary care throughout the Cincinnati, OH area, this caring AAHA®-accredited team will introduce you to the best pet medications for your companion for optimal pest prevention. They are also qualified to address issues caused by fleas—such as skin infections, tapeworms, and anemia. To learn more about these capabilities, visit this veterinarian online. If you’d like to schedule an exam, call (513) 791-7912.

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