Say Goodbye To Fleas: A 3-Step Solution For A Healthy Pet And A Clean Home

It’s estimated that about 40% of all dogs are hypersensitive to flea bites, and this is also the case in cats. Actually, sensitivity to the flea’s saliva is a very common condition in cats and dogs. The flea will bite the pet, but it’s the injection of the saliva (not the bite) that causes most of the itching. It doesn’t take an infestation to cause an irritating reaction.

So, your pet isn’t necessarily infested with fleas, but rather the saliva of just one or two fleas can make them miserably itchy and uncomfortable for many weeks (even long after the fleas are gone).

Flea-bite hypersensitivity usually gets worse throughout the pet’s life. Each year, the signs of the hypersensitivity could start earlier and last longer in “‘flea season”, and the itching could become more severe.

How Do I Know If It’s Fleas Or An Allergy?

You will usually see fleas around the face or base of the tail. If you haven’t actually seen a "live" flea on your pet, look for other signs, like tiny black specks that look like finely ground black pepper. This is flea "dirt," or excrement … Their skin may look red and bumpy when you pull back their fur to expose the skin.

Prevention Goes A Long Way.

The key to getting your pets flea-free is keeping fleas out of their environment. Don't just shampoo your pets, but regularly clean their sleeping areas as well. Also, a healthy coat is great protection against dirt and wetness (as it prevents irritants from reaching the skin and affecting the dog’s inner temperature), and of course fleas. A dog’s coat is also a meaningful indicator of overall health.

A natural solution to keeping fleas and ticks off of your pets and out of your home includes using a blend of peppermint oil and clove oil extract and spraying this on both your pets and their bedding, as well as anywhere else your pets hang out. A blend like this will also repel mosquitoes and can be used as often as needed without harmful side effects.

How Do I Get Rid Of The Fleas?

When faced with a flea infestation, here's a three-step plan to follow for clearing fleas from your pet's environment, and keeping them off your pets using the right skin care to promote healthy skin and coat.

Step 1: Flea-Proof Your House And Yard

If your house has a yard, you must maintain it by keeping the grass cut and the shrubs pruned. That way, fleas have fewer places to hide. You can also find effective yard flea sprays at your local hardware store; make sure they are dog-friendly.

It is important to find a solution that is all-natural and free of harsh chemicals for your fur baby. Since fleas don't live on your pet — they just hop on and bite — be sure that the treatment kills not only the adult fleas but also the flea eggs, which otherwise will hatch in a week or two and re-infest the area. Repeated treatments are recommended.

Step 2: Clean And Vacuum Your Pet's Bed And Surroundings

Thoroughly clean pet bedding and vacuum areas prior to treatment. Be sure to empty your vacuum. You may need to wash pet bedding several times, depending on the severity of the infestation.

Step 3: Give Your Furry Baby A Bath

Time these steps to coincide with baths for all of your pets, and you'll have a flea- and tick-free home and fur babies. Just remember, fleas happen — even in the cleanest homes. The most important thing is to recognize them as soon as possible for the best possible results.

We at pawTree® are committed to providing pet parents a selection of all natural goods that support fur babies living a healthier and more vibrant life … Our selection includes an all-natural flea and tick spray that is free of harsh chemicals and has a wonderful scent.