As we know flea bites may cause intense itch; unfortunately the itch is only a mild skin manifestation, compared to the severe diseases that fleas can transmit to our pet friends.
Fleas are very dangerous – cats
Fleas are very dangerous, they cause
- Flea allergy dermatitis (FAD)
- Rickettsial Infection
- Mycoplasma haemofelis (ex. Haemobartonella felis)
- Tenia
- Anemia
- Plague (bubonic-septicemic-pneumonic)
The life cycle of the flea (Ctenocephalides felis), the most common flea species found on dogs and cats
First stage of the life cycle of a flea: EGGS
All fleas begin their life as an egg. Adult fleas can lay up to 50 eggs per day, the adult flea lays eggs directly on animal body that carries them around the house, during this “passive transport” many eggs fall on the ground.
An egg to hatch into larva requires a warm temperature and a good percentage of moisture. This life cycle lasts 2-12 days
Second stage of the life cycle of a flea: LARVA
Larvae are very small (about 1 mm), they need a warm environment, a carpet or cracks in the floor for living and feeding on detritus. After 1-2 weeks, the larvae form a cocoon
Third stage of the life cycle of a flea: PUPA
The cocoon is covered with a sticky substance. Under ideal conditions, the Pupa develops into Adult Flea about in 6-14 days
The pupa can remain dormant for up to a year, can “plan” the hatch and lasts for months and constitutes about 10% of the infestation
Fourth stage of the life cycle of a flea: ADULT FLEA
Once finished the cycle, the first adult flea’s action is to move in search of her first blood meal and find our cat or dog using light and heat. Fleas do not stand still for a long time, they are in constant motion.
If you see a flea, consider that there are many others around the house, in different stages of their life, each one with a life cycle waiting to become Adult
Fleas are very dangerous – cats
USEFUL ADVICES AND NATURAL TREATMENTS TO GET RID OF FLEAS
Use a product aimed to kill ONLY the adult flea is USELESS
We must manage the problem using different methods of treatment, attacking all stages of the flea life
FOR THE ANIMALS
Use a flea comb, it is really important to comb your cat because it removes dead fleas and eggs; its daily use, although it is a boring practice, helps in flea control
Wash the dog/cat with natural detergents and not with aggressive substances
Prepare a natural spray with essential oils – Do not use this solution on cats –
Mix 6 drops of each essential oil in about 300 ml of water, Attention if there are cats living together with the dog or if the dog is taking homeopathic remedies
Organic essential oils (from organic farming)
- Rosemary
- Peppermint
- Eucalyptus
- Tea tree flower reinforced
- Lemongrass
Fleas are very dangerous – cats
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Use a spray bottle to apply the solution on the coat and avoid contact with eyes and muzzle
For cats you can purchase neem oil based products, or other natural ingredients based spot-on. Do not use essential oils and/or Tea tree
Besides taking care of the dog/cat, it is necessary to treat the environment, overcome the critical stage, we need to continue to treat inside and outside house every 2-3 months for at least 12 months; it is an essential step that many of us underestimate 🙂
OUTDOOR
If you have a garden keep the grass short, eliminate weeds; useful plants with repellent effect are: lavender, mint, catnip
Eliminate standing water from the flower pot saucers
MAKE YOURSELF A FLEA TRAP
1. Take some flower pot saucers, or other containers you have at home
2. Fill with water
3. Add dishwashing soap
4. Place a direct light source above the container
Fleas attracted by the light will drown in the soapy water
There are dogs and cats more vulnerable and with recurring infestations; healthy animals with efficient immune systems are unlikely to be attacked by fleas. Fleas love the weaker ones! Useful supplements: vitamins, mineral salts, mycotherapy (medicinal mushrooms), probiotics, colostrum, beer yeast, Chelated zinc etc. these are an excellent support
Conclusions
If you really are obliged to use a chemical product, do it only in the warmer months, planning together with your veterinarian a treatment to support kidneys and liver, chemical anti-flea products are always very powerful pesticides.
During the administration of the chemical anti-flea products prevent the cat to lick him/herself, it might be useful to put on your cat for few hours the Elizabethan collar (E-Collar).
Fleas are very dangerous – cats
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