If there’s one fact that all pet owners can agree on, it’s that fleas are a nuisance, but these pesky insects are more than just a minor annoyance. They will bite you and your pets, and, when left unchecked, can cause your dog or cat to scratch and chew themselves raw, causing infections and illness. Focusing on flea prevention and stopping infestations before they start is better for your pets—not to mention, easier than getting them out of your house. Here are some tricks for keeping them away. 

How to Keep Fleas Away From Your Pets 

1. Medication

Most veterinarians recommend giving pets monthly flea prevention treatments in the form of a topical application or pill every month. These medications typically kill fleas when they bite, or poison flea larvae so they do not hatch, and some also kill ticks. Flea prevention treatments can be purchased over the counter, or from your vet if they are combined with other treatments like heartworm prevention.

2. Grooming

Keeping your pets’ fur clean removes any ticks or eggs that may be present, and also helps you spot signs of trouble. Dogs should be bathed every 2-3 weeks and brushed thoroughly. Use a soap that contains oatmeal or other soothing ingredients to help prevent dry skin and reduce irritation from flea bites. Since cats generally don't tolerate bathing, regular brushing and inspections with a flea comb can stop infestations before they start. 

3. Clean Your Home

Keeping your home clean, especially with regular vacuuming, reduces the chance of a flea infestation. Regularly sweep or vacuum to remove fleas and their eggs, focusing on the corners and along the edges of the room where the adults like to hide. Empty the vacuum canister outdoors, and clean it with hot water to eliminate any stragglers. Cleaning your pets’ beds weekly and vacuuming upholstery also help with flea prevention efforts. 

4. Treat Your Yard

Your pets pick up fleas and ticks outside, so treat your yard to kill them before they have a chance to infest your home. Fleas like to hide along fences and in shrubs, under furniture, and under decks or porches, as well as in tall grass. Keeping the grass short and shrubs trimmed can help, but you should also treat your yard with a natural or non-toxic pesticide to eliminate any harmful bugs. 

If you suspect your pet has fleas, or you want expert advice for preventing an infestation in your home, turn to the compassionate veterinarians at Lillian Veterinary Hospital. Serving Baldwin County, AL, these experienced providers offer a variety of health and wellness services for all pets, including vaccinations, flea, and heartworm prevention treatments, grooming, and nutritional counseling. For more information about their services, visit them online or call (251) 962-2304 for an appointment.