Wise Owl Animal Hospital

         Biological Description

• Fleas are insects just like mosquitoes flies and a common bug.
• Body shape is laterally compressed containing 3 pairs of legs.
• Fleas move by jumping and their compressed shape body enables them to move through fur easily

          Lifecycle

• Fleas go through 4 stages in their lifetime.
• Adult stage- Adults are able to lay about 40-50 eggs eggs per day after a blood meal.
• Egg Stage- When eggs are laid on your pet, they fall off onto places wherever your pet visits
• Larval Stage- Flea larva emerges from the eggs and feed on any organic material as well as tapeworm eggs. They are normally found in dark places like your carpet and couch.
• Pupal Stage- Free living and can be found almost anywhere where your dog normally visits. Common places are bedding, soil, carpet, and household items

Problems in your pets

• Flea larva (as mentioned earlier) eat Tapeworm eggs and carries it until the adult stage. When flea adult causes your pet to itch, they may be ingested by licking or biting and ingests the tapeworm egg as well.
• Flea saliva are able to irritate your pet and can cause allergies leading to scratching and hair loss.

Prevention

• Frontline kills fleas 18 hours after applied to your pet. Frontline must be used once a month to prevent both flea and tick infestation. Treating the environment just as important as treating your dog.
  
• Two ways to control fleas

1. Treating Your Dog- Recommended product use is Frontline
2. Treating the Environment- Recommended product use is Sevin