Despite popular belief they can’t, fleas can survive and thrive during the winter, particularly indoors. Heated houses and warm environments offer an ideal breeding ground, specially humid spaces. So taking effective steps to rid your pets (and your home) of fleas will greatly reduce the chance of an infestation.
The importance of regular treatments
Here’s the most important thing to remember: by treating your pet all-year round, you’ll be controlling flea infestations in the most effective way possible. There are many types of treatments available: from collars to flea shampoo, spot-on solutions to tablets – all hugely effective and easy to obtain.
If undecided, spot-on treatments are one of the most popular options, simply because they’re convenient and easy to use. They are applied directly to the scruff of your pet’s neck (with fur parted) and then reapplied approximately every four weeks. A good example is Frontline Plus, which kills both fleas and ticks and contains IGRs (insect growth regulators), meaning it also stops flea eggs and larvae from developing.
Clearing your home of fleas
So you’ve found the right treatment for your pet. Now you have to think about protecting your home. Pick up fleas by hoovering carpets and furniture regularly, plus any other place your pet is allowed access, such as beds or sofas. Pay particular attention to areas your pet likes sleeping on, washing their bedding or soft toys in a washing machine, knowing that eggs and adult fleas will not survive a spin cycle.
If you have a light infestation, you can also use a Household flea spray. These are made with a low concentration of insecticide, making it safe for untrained homeowners to administer. Be sure you adhere to the directions and use exactly as advised, but also remember that, if you treat your pet regularly, it’s less likely you’ll need a spray to deal with eggs around the house, as fleas will normally jump on your treated dog or cat at some point, and then die out.
Never miss a treatment
Remembering to treat your pet every month isn’t always easy. Luckily, you can take the hassle out of it by setting up a recurring delivery. Add your product to your cart, click ‘Repeat Order’ and choose how often you’d like your product delivered – still having the peace of mind that you can amend or cancel anytime.
There is also the option to treat pets with an injectable IGR flea product for a full six months, but only a veterinary surgeon can do this.
Need more information?
Our friendly Animal Health Advisors are always on hand to offer a suitable treatment recommendation for you and your pet, simply call us on 020 8089 3880 (Monday to Friday) and we’ll be happy to help.
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