No Fleas Please!

Oakwood Pet Hospital

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Did you know that adult fleas make up only 5% of the flea population in flea infested homes? What you see is just the tip of the iceburg! The rest are millions of maggot-like flea larvae, pupae, and eggs that nestle down into places like your carpet, furniture, & bedding where they could easily reinfest your pets or come nose-to-nose with your children.

Fleas can cause intense itching in your pet. Your pet can suffer from hair loss, skin infection, skin rashes, parasites, and even anemia from infection with fleas. It is very important to understand the flea life cycle and different methods of control of flea infestation if you see them. Please talk to your veterinarian about different methods of flea control and prevention today!

    Female fleas lay up to 2,000 eggs in a
    lifetime! Eggs hatch within 2-7 days
    (but may lay dormant for months).

    Larvae are white, maggot-like worms
    that seek out dark areas (such as
    carpet/cracks in floor) to feed on flea
    feces and debris. They shed their skin
    three times until they are ready to spin
    a cocoon.

    Pupae are the cocoon stage of fleas.
    Fleas will remain in the cocoon until
    stimulated to emerge; this may take
    weeks to months.

    Adults mate within 24 hours of
    emergence!! Most feed within 15
    minutes of finding a host and every 30
    minutes thereafter!

Flea Control

Vacuum frequently - carpets, hardwood floors, and furniture. Vacuum your vehicle if your pet ever travels with you. Remove, close, and dispose of the bag afterwards to prevent fleas from escaping. Vacuuming will effectively remove flea eggs and larvae from the environment, and it will actually stimulate mature fleas to emerge from cocoons.

Wash your pet's bedding frequently. Most of the flea eggs, larvae, & pupae will be found where your pet spends most of its time.

Fog or spray your home with insecticides. You may do this yourself or call an exterminator. (You may need to repeat treatment in 2-4 weeks.)

Spray your yard with insecticides. You may do this yourself or call an exterminator. (You may need to repeat treatment in 2-4 weeks.)

Treat ALL of your pets for fleas! Please talk to your veterinarian about the best options for your pet. Not all medications are the same and some may be dangerous for your pet. Here are some suggestions:

Comfortis (monthly chewable for fleas)
Vectra 3D (monthly topical for fleas & ticks)
Advantage Multi for Cats (topical for fleas, heartworms, hookworms, roundworms, & ear mites)
Sentinel (Heartworms, Roundworms, Hookworms, Whipworms, & Flea Preventative)
Capstar (A pill that will kill all fleas your pet comes in contact with for 24 hours)