Clinton Parkway

Fleas and Ticks

There are over 2,200 species of fleas and they have been in existence for 50 million years.

Few problems can be more frustrating for you and your pet than fleas. This pesky critter spends nearly all of its time on your pet biting, consuming blood meals, and laying eggs.

Flea facts:

• Fleas pass through a life cycle of four stages. Completion from egg to adult varies from two weeks to over a year.
• The flea population is typically made up of 50% eggs, 30% larvae, 15% pupae, and only 5% biting adults.
• Adult fleas spend their entire life on the pet.
• Flea feces are seen as small, black (pepper grain) specks. These fecal particles are composed of blood.
• Female fleas can lay 30 to 50 eggs a day, up to 600 in a lifetime.
• In just 30 days, 10 female fleas under ideal conditions can multiply to over a quarter million different life stages.
• The home environment represents over 90% of flea infestation problems.
• Rabbits, possums and squirrels all have fleas, but this animal is the only carrier of fleas that can affect your pet.
• Many pets are allergic to the flea saliva and may develop a skin condition called flea allergic dermatitis (FAD).
• It may take only one fleabite to set off in-tense itching, biting, and scratching.

Additional Website Resources:

Excellent video on flea control from Novartis

The life cycle of the flea: To end it…you have to understand it.

Flea Eggs

Eggs (view image) are loosely laid in the hair and drop off where your pet rests or sleeps (carpets, upholstered furniture, etc.). They hatch into tiny, worm-like creatures called larvae.

Flea Larvae

Larvae (view image) are sensitive to light and seek dark hiding places under furniture, etc. The larva spins a cocoon and develops into a pupa.

Flea Pupae

Pupae (view image) are found in the depths of carpeting and rugs, and in the crevices of hardwood floors. The pupa develops into an adult inside the cocoon and emerges when it senses the conditions are right for survival.

Adult Fleas

Adult fleas (view image) may remain resting in the cocoon for months, and emerge only when stimulated by vibrations such as pet movement or even the carbon dioxide that pets exhale (potential blood source is near).

Flea Shampoos:

Mycodex Shampoo and Ectosoothe Shampoo (for itchy skin or dermatitis) are excellent products but do not provide any residual protection against fleas. Use cool to cold water for more relief if your pet is itching. Allow 10 minutes of contact and protect your pet’s eyes with artificial tear ointment.

Skin Ointments:

Frontline Plus is a convenient and safe topical insecticide that is applied between the shoulder blades (apply in 2-3 areas in a larger dog). It is spread through skin oils and provides effective flea and tick control for about 30 days. Frontline Plus kills ticks, adult fleas, eggs and larvae. It is not rinsed off with bathing. Purchase 6 doses of Frontline Plus or Revolution at CPAH and get 1 dose free.

We recommend Revolution for effective flea control in cats. It also prevents feline heartworm disease, a serious problem in the Lawrence area.

Many of our clients elect to receive convenient monthly email reminders from our hospital when it’s time to give their pet their next dose of Frontline Plus or Revolution. Click here to receive monthly e-mail reminders.

Additional Information:

• Learn more about ticks found in Kansas and the diseases they transmit.
• Information on how to apply Frontline Plus
• Comparisons between purchasing preventatives from CPAH vs. internet pharmacies.

Sentinel:

Sentinel (dogs only) contains the most significant flea control product ever developed — and fleas do not develop resistance. The tablet is given once a month and prevents development of flea eggs into adult fleas. Sentinel does not kill adult fleas—it should not be used alone if you have a severe flea problem. Sentinel also prevents heartworms and intestinal worms. It must be given with a meal for proper absorption.

Sentinel is easy to use, safe and effective, provides complete protection for a full month, and is 100% guaranteed.

Treating the house:

Since the home environment represents over 90% of flea infestation problems, treating your house with Knockout Area Carpet Spray is often combined with topical and/or oral flea products. This spray contains an insecticide plus insect growth regulator (IGR), which provides a six-month residual action against flea eggs and larvae.

Vacuum thoroughly before treatment, and concentrate in areas where your pet spends most of its time — this is where the eggs and larvae are. Treat underneath furniture, cushions, etc. Launder the pet’s bedding. Do not apply to non-carpeted areas since the product loses its effectiveness quickly. We do not recommend foggers since the aerosol will not get underneath furniture.

Treating the yard:

The only way to adequately deal with lawns is to use insecticides. Rake the yard prior to application and do not treat areas exposed to direct sunlight — fleas cannot survive here. Spray only shaded, cool or damp areas where your pet spends its time during the heat of the day. We recommend Diazinon or Dursban Granules, and repeat treatment every 2-4 weeks if needed.