URGENT FLEA WARNING TO ALL CAT AND DOG OWNERS IN THE UK
Source: Daily Echo (Extract)
Posted: June 18, 2024
Cat and dog owners across the UK have been told for keep an eye out for signs their pets may have fleas.
A veterinarian has cautioned pet owners that flea infestations are “more common than many people realize” at this time of year.
According to PDSA statistics, many pet owners neglect flea treatments during winter, mistakenly viewing fleas as solely a “summer problem.”
Jamie Walker, a seasoned veterinarian and technical services manager at the global veterinary pharmaceutical company Dechra, elaborated: “Many owners perceive fleas as only a concern in the summer and may not be treating their pets for them during this season.”
“However, as central heating systems remain in use for several more weeks, our warm homes become ideal breeding grounds for fleas, as they thrive in temperatures around 21°C.”
“Flea eggs can hitch a ride into your home on your cat or dog’s fur and may go unnoticed for some time.”
“Fleas can cause significant irritation to your pets and can also infest your home, leading to discomfort for your family members.”
“Flea bites can result in severe skin irritation for both pets and humans, underscoring the importance of addressing infestations promptly to prevent them from establishing in your pet’s fur.”
“This covers everything you need to know about fleas.”
What are the signs of flea infestation?
One of the clearest indicators of a potential flea infestation is if your pet frequently scratches, bites, or licks itself in an attempt to alleviate the discomfort caused by flea bites.
If you observe these behaviors, it’s a significant warning sign that warrants further investigation.
Since fleas can be difficult to detect, examining your pet’s skin and fur is an essential initial step.
How common are fleas in the UK?
In the UK, there are 62 species of fleas, with the most prevalent being the cat flea, scientifically known as Ctenocephalides felis.
The flea life cycle consists of four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult flea. Normally, this cycle spans 3-4 weeks, but under optimal conditions, it can accelerate to as little as 12-22 days.
Each adult female flea has the potential to lay up to 20 eggs daily on your pet’s fur, which then drop off wherever your pet rests.
Flea eggs are nearly invisible to the naked eye, and flea larvae are even more challenging to detect as they often conceal themselves in dark, inaccessible areas.
Fleas are capable of leaping considerable distances, facilitating easy movement between your pets and your home.
Interestingly, only about 5% of a flea infestation comprises adult fleas on your dog or cat’s fur, while the remaining 95% typically exists in your home as eggs, larvae, and pupae.
How can you treat fleas?
The best approach to managing flea infestations is consistent year-round treatment of your pet with a veterinarian-approved product. Prevention is key to avoiding the need for treatment.
If you do find yourself dealing with a flea issue, it’s crucial to treat both your pet and your home promptly.
Ensure that all areas your dog or cat frequents in your home (and car, if relevant) are treated. Failing to address these areas increases the likelihood of fleas returning.
What health issues can fleas cause?
When fleas bite, they extract blood and inject saliva into the bloodstream, leading to the primary symptom of itchy skin.
For some animals, this itching can escalate to the point of developing skin infections, hair loss, and the formation of scabs and sores.
In severe cases, smaller animals like kittens or puppies may even succumb to anemia due to the blood loss caused by flea feeding.
Additionally, fleas can transmit worm eggs to pets, resulting in gastrointestinal upset and weight loss.
