Flea Control for Dogs and Cats

Key Takeaways

• Fleas reproduce fast, with females laying up to 50 eggs per day and completing their life cycles in as few as 14 days, making early control critical.
• Breaking the flea life cycle requires treating the pet, home, and environment, not just the animal alone.
• Step 1 focuses on your pet, using monthly topical treatments or other flea control options to kill adult fleas and prevent eggs and larvae from developing.
• Step 2 targets your home, where vacuuming and premise treatments like sprays, powders, or foggers eliminate hidden fleas and eggs in carpets, furniture, and bedding.
• Step 3 protects your outdoor environment, using yard sprays and treating areas where pets rest or travel to prevent reinfestation.

Managing fleas is easier when you follow this 3-step plan designed to break the flea's life cycle. Fleas can quickly multiply and prosper. In fact female fleas can lay up to 50 eggs each day. These eggs rapidly develop into larvae, pupa and then adult fleas, completing their entire development in as few as 14 days. In less favorable conditions, pupa can remain dormant for up to a year before emerging. It is equally important that you treat both your pet and environment to prevent the next generation of fleas. Look for products containing an insect growth regulator (IGR) to inhibit the immature stages in the flea life cycle. Follow label directions to ensure satisfactory results and safety.

 Step 1. Your Pet.

Treat each of your pets for existing fleas, flea eggs and larvae.
Topical spot-on treatments are easily administered each month and provide protection for up to 30 days.

Other options include flea and tick shampoo, dip, spray, powder, or flea and tick dog collars or cat collars.

Step 2. Your Home.

Treat your home, eliminating the fleas and flea eggs that your pet could become host to. Vacuum carpets, furniture and pet bedding. Premise and Foggers treatments, designed to treat your home and surroundings are available in several forms. Foggers are best for hard-to-reach areas. Use a flea and tick spray or carpet powder to treat surfaces.

Step 3. Your Environment.

Treat your outside environment to prevent re-infestation when your pet leaves the home. Use a yard spray to treat your lawn, kennel area, and anywhere that your pet rests. Give particular attention to warm, moist areas like those under decks, porches or trees. If your pet is a travel companion, a flea and tick spray should be used to treat your car.

Whether for horse, livestock, or pet, Valley Vet Supply is your one-stop shop for trusted care. Explore more of our pet category at ValleyVet.com