What To Know About Fleas

Fleas are pesky little wingless pests that can infest an entire environment. They can jump onto any host and bury themselves in the fur of your pet. Once they find a suitable host, fleas will generally live there for the rest of their lives. The females will lay hundreds of eggs in the fur so that the next generation can come in. 

 

If your pet is showing the following signs then it’s likely that they have fleas and you will need to begin treatment immediately: 

• Your pet is scratching and biting at its fur non-stop. Fleas can cause a sharp pain when they bite and will leave behind toxins that can be extremely irritating to your pet. 
• You can see small reddish-brown insects on your pet. 
• You notice small pepper-like specs called flea dirt on your pet’s skin and in the bedding, carpet, and surrounding environment.
• You see flea eggs which look like tiny white ovals all over the home. 
• Your pet’s gums are pale due to anemia, or a loss of red blood cells. 

 

When you notice signs of fleas, then the first thing you should do is take your pet to the veterinarian. Depending on the severity of the infestation, your vet may recommend certain chemical treatments to help your pet get rid of the fleas within a matter of days. The next thing you will need to do is thoroughly clean the bedding, sheets, and other objects in the environment that fleas could live in. This includes your own bedding as well.

Bring Your Pet To Northwood Animal Hospital

The best treatment for fleas is through prevention. Schedule an appointment with our vets at Northwood Animal Hospital in the San Antonio area. Led by the “country-city vet,” Dr. Wood, who opened our animal hospital in 1976, our staff offers a multitude of services for cats and dogs. Over the years, we’ve developed close relationships with all of our patients and clients. We believe in valuing each and every pet as a part of our welcoming family. Whatever care your companion needs, we work to ensure they have a happy and healthy experience.