You bet we have fleas in Colorado! However, not to the degree that other furry friends have to endure in different parts of the country. If your Jack Russell is a serious hunter or just like to chase an occasional rabbit, he or she is bound to pick up a flea or two. A recent study conducted by researchers at Kansas State University has shown that urban wildlife are heavily infested with fleas whereas their "county cousins" are less apt to be flea reservoirs. So now even urban pets are more at risk of developing flea allergy dermatitis from flea infestation.
How will you know if your dog has fleas? Your dog may be itching and scratching more frequently or you may see a rust colored bug, the size of a pin head, scurrying in and out of the dog's coat. These creatures also have the amazing ability to leap several feet, enabling them to leap from the grass to an unsuspecting fur coat. Adult fleas must live and mate on your pet but the females jump off for a short time to lay eggs in carpet or furniture fibers. Therefor, it's important to talk about treating your pet and your home so these pesky critters don't set up permanent residence. you must use a combination of products to effectively battle fleas, both adulticides and insect growth regulators.
First, throw those flea collars away! In my experience, they don't work very well and can be dangerous in puppies or dogs that like to chew. Be cautious when using flea powders, sprays and dips; if used improperly, dogs can have allergic reactions to the products. My favorite way to battle the adult fleas living on your dog is to use a good quality flea shampoo and/or foaming mousse. Shampoos are usually pyrethrin based products that kill the adult fleas and help protect your pet for seven to fourteen days. (examples: Ectofoam by Virbac or Defend by Mallinckrodt). These foams generally kill the adult fleas on the dog for seven to ten days. Vet-Chem has recently released a foam that has both adulticide and insect growth regulator product in one. I usually bathe my dogs first, then follow up with a foam product. If you and your dog do not enjoy getting wet, the foam products are the simplest solution.
Secondly you must treat your pet's environment. Wash your pet's bedding, then spray down the area with a flea spray or dusting powders, but again be cautious not to use too much or your dog's skin may become irritated. To stop the fleas from reproducing in your home insect growth regulators (IGR) must be used. These products break the flea life cycle by inhibiting egg development. Currently there is only one IGR on the market, but many are soon to by released. Program (Ciba ANimal health) is an IGR which is given monthly, in tablet form. It is safe for pregnant females, breeding males and puppies over six weeks of age. The effective ingredient, Lufenuron concentrates in milk, so Program should not be given to lactating females.
The key to safe flea control is to use several different products, or combination of approaches recommended by your veterinarian. Be sure to ask you veterinarian what type of signs to look for in case your pet may be sensitive to one particular product. Please call me if you gave certain topics you'd like me to research or write about in future newsletters. My home number is 303-660-4447.
