During the last few years, an increase in the parasitic load of various populations, including fleas, has been observed. This increase is due to an increase in the number of pets, which means that flea populations are under very favorable conditions to maintain and grow, and to environmental variations such as temperature increases, among other factors. Thus, the focus should be on preventive and prolonged treatments, which implies the need to apply treatments monthly and throughout the year and not only when you see fleas on your dog/cat.
It is necessary to keep in mind that in most homes where animals are present, environmental flea infestations are likely. This creates the need to act not only on adult fleas on dogs and cats, but also on the immature forms that are in the environment (eggs and larvae; located on blankets/sofas/carpeting/rugs under furniture, etc.), which are not normally visible but from which new adult fleas will constantly emerge if not acted upon correctly.
Some tips to control fleas in dogs.
Therefore, the pet must be treated to avoid reinfestations of adult fleas on dogs, cats and in the home, with complete products that act on all stages of the flea: adult (thanks to the action of adulticidal molecules, such as fipronil) and immature (thanks to the action of molecules called IGR, such as (S)-methoprene), such as Frontline Combo dogs, Frontline Combo Cats.
However, in many cases, once an infestation has become established in the home, it is necessary to treat for at least 3-4 months in a row to completely eliminate the infestation.
Therefore, our advice is as follows:
Treat animals preventively once a month and throughout the year even before seeing adult fleas on dogs. Be careful with the baths 48 hours before and after the application of the product.
In case of frequent re-infestations, it is possible to reinforce with spray or even reducing the time between applications of the pipettes, it is necessary to make sure that these are not too frequent.
Actions in the environment to eliminate possible immature forms of fleas (eggs, larvae):
Regular vacuuming of the house (1 time/week): carpets, under furniture, etc., i.e. all those places where the animal moves and a flea population may have been created.
Thoroughly wash (1 time/week) blankets, beds, etc. where the animals have been.
Application of a product to help control the internal environment of the animal’s house. It must be taken into account that it must be applied in all those locations where the animal is (apart from the different places in the house, also in cars, basements, garages, etc.).
Regarding outdoor control:
Outdoors, wild animals or other dogs with which the animals may be in contact and which are untreated for fleas can be a major source of infestation. Therefore, contact with such animals should be minimized.
It is important to remove piles of garden and farm waste such as grasses, weeds and brush, particularly if these are near buildings or areas where dogs live.
Application of environmental insecticides-acaricides.
In addition to the above, always follow the instructions of veterinary professionals.