The Pet Files: Please, Fleas!

It is mid-October. Fleas should be gone by now, right? Normally, yes. But this year, weather has conspired against us and our four-footed friends, in favor of the flea. 

It has been a bit nippy for a few days and nights, but really only enough to make the fleas voracious. And then it gets warm again, balmy even, and the little nippers are not killed off. Add to that the lovely wet weather we’ve been experiencing, and you have The Perfect Flea Storm.

Things you can do:

One single flea bath with a good soothing shampoo will help get rid of any fleas and eggs on your dog. Choose something mild and non-drying, no harsh chemicals. Dry skin will only mean more itching! Try a neem shampoo, or something with citronella.

After the bath, use a flea repellant spray when you go for walks or out to play.  Again, neem or citronella or lemongrass work great—look for the same kinds of safe ingredients we would use for small children.

If you have carpets, or upholstered furniture, dogs beds, etc., treat these areas too. And empty your vacuum bags, taking the bags out of your house right away.

Things not to do:

Don’t use the monthly preventatives more frequently than is indicated on the labels.

Don’t use more than one neurotoxin at once—in other words, don’t apply Capstar if you have already used Advantage.

And truly, eventually, we will get real fall weather and this problem will go away for another season! 

-Woof!