![]() ![]() Ask if there have been any outbreaks in the area, and if they have any suggestions about flea prevention techniques. It is also important to talk to your veterinarian about fleas at your pet’s checkup. Fleas like to live in dirty environments, so try to keep your pet as clean as possible and keep them away from other pets that may have been exposed. However, practicing good pet hygiene, such as giving your pet regular baths, is a good first step to preventing fleas. Since many anti-flea treatments contain chemicals, it is important not to always bathe your pet in these chemicals. Therefore, it is important to wash them anyways. Fleas are tiny, and even after inspecting your pet, you may not see them. Therefore, anytime fleas are found in your house, it is crucial to scrub down all of your animals with anti-flea soap, which can be bought in any store that sells pet supplies. This is troubling, because not only is your pet at further risk for disease, but the more fleas that are in your house, the more likely your family is to be exposed to the diseases that they carry. Since not all animals have allergic reactions to fleas, not all animals will itch even after their fur has become infested. Itching can be vigorous, and your pet can remove other skin and hair in the process, exposing itself to other diseases and infections. Itching is the attempt of your pet’s body to literally flick off whatever foreign invader is harming them. However, itching usually only occurs if your pet has an allergic reaction to the flea. Depending on the severity of your pet's case, the veterinarian may prescribe flea medications, topical treatments, or recommend a flea shampoo.Immediately, the animal’s immune system kicks in and antigens are sent to fight of the foreign invader. If you suspect flea bites on your pet, you should take them to a veterinarian immediately.If you see dark specks that look like dirt falling off onto the sheet or towel, you may be dealing with fleas. One way to do this is to have your pet lay on a white towel or sheet and brush their fur. Regularly check your pets for fleas, especially if you notice excessive scratching.Throw away vacuum container bags and regularly clean vacuum filters. Clean and vacuum your home frequently, especially areas where your pets come in and out of the house.To reduce the risk of a flea infestation in your home, the National Pest Association recommends these tips: If you see fleas hopping onto your furniture or curtains or you notice multiple, dot-like insects in your carpet, you're likely dealing with an infestation. According to the National Pest Association, you should contact a pest management professional, like an exterminator, if you suspect a flea infestation in your home. But getting rid of just the adult fleas won't completely solve your problem.įleas have a long life cycle of about 20 to 35 days, and there may still be hundreds of eggs in your home that could hatch a week later. Research shows that vacuuming is one of the best ways to eliminate fleas, and can even kill 96% of adult fleas. So, even though the symptoms of flea bites may resolve in a few days, you are likely to continue getting bitten if you do not treat your pet and home. That's because dogs or cats spend more time in the grass and dirt, where fleas live. While anyone can get flea bites, humans are most likely to come into contact with fleas directly from their pets. If you experience swelling, an open sore, or discharge at the bite site, you may have an infection, and should see a doctor for further treatment. Seek care from a medical professional if the itching is not relieved by over-the-counter products, as they can prescribe stronger topical steroids if necessary.The drop in body temperature once you get out of the shower can trigger histamine production and make the itching worse. Try to avoid taking a hot shower, as warm water can exacerbate itchy skin.These are available over-the-counter and should be applied in small amounts directly on the bite site, up to four times a day or as frequently as instructions advise. Anti-itch creams like hydrocortisone and calamine lotion can also relieve itching.You can use an over-the-counter antihistamine, like Zyrtec or Claritin, to help reduce itchiness and keep you from scratching. ![]() Wash the bites with soap and water to keep the area clean and decrease your risk of infection.With that in mind, here's a few at-home treatment methods for flea bites: ![]() "The less scratching, the faster they go down, so don't scratch." "Normally the bites will go down after a few days," McLaughlin says. Most of the time, flea bites are easy to treat at home without medical attention, as long as you don't experience an allergic reaction.Įven though the bites can be uncomfortable and itchy, McLaughlin says you should try to refrain from scratching them. ![]()
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