Whether you live in a state that’s warm all year round or one that’s beginning to thaw, it’s time to think about fleas.

Those of us with furry, four-legged friends dread these pests. Fleas are almost too small to see with the naked eye and can invade our homes. They cause significant discomfort with their bites and spread disease. You could have the cleanest home on the block, but your pet could still bring home fleas. Let’s talk about ways to prevent these parasites from becoming a nuisance this spring.

One sign that you should check your pet for fleas is if it’s itching more than normal. Flea bites cause irritation and pets can develop allergies to the bites. Your local vet is a great resource for helping you determine what’s bothering your pet. He or she can use a special flea comb to check for fleas. You can also purchase one and check for yourself.

Another sign that your pet has fleas is “flea dirt,” a name for the fleas’ waste product. PetMD describes how you can examine your pet for “flea dirt” by laying down a white piece of paper beneath your pet and then brushing it. If you see black specks on the paper, you can distinguish regular dirt from “flea dirt” by sprinkling the specks with water and observing whether or not they turn a “dark reddish-brown color.” This change of color would indicate fleas.

Two simple ways to prevent your pet from carrying home fleas are by speaking with your vet about flea preventative medications and washing its bedding regularly. Animals such as rabbits, possums, and other flea-ridden dogs and cats often carry fleas and can pass them to pets. Fleas also thrive in moist, shady areas or yard waste, so keep your yard as clutter free as possible.

Because fleas can survive inside all year, it’s important to identify and address the issue as quickly as possible. Again, if you have any questions about whether or not our pet has fleas, your local vet is the best place to start.

We love caring for your pet when you need a helping hand. Give us a call at 1-321-794-4477 to learn more about our dog, cat, and small animal care services.