A simple flea bath or collar isn't going to eradicate fleas on your pet and in your home. Learn the flea life cycle to fine tune your efforts.
1. Fleas – Learn About the Life Cycle of Fleas
© Al2 on Wikimedia Commons
Fleas can make pets' lives miserable, and humans begin to itch just at the thought of them. Part I of this article is to give some insight to the biology of the flea. Why go back to biology? Because the flea life cycle is fairly complex, and understanding the various stages will make it easier
2. Flea Control – How to Get Rid of Fleas
© Farnam Pet Products
Part I of this article discussed the biology of the flea. Understanding the various stages of the flea life cycle will make the various flea treatment regimes easier to understand and apply. The purpose of part II of this article is to demonstrate why multiple approaches are needed to control/eradicate fleas.
3. What are the little "black pepper" spots on my pet?
© Dr Zak at en.wikipedia
This Frequently Asked Question (FAQ) is from Margaret. "My question is: my dog has these little black things in her fur that like little spots of black pepper..." Find out the answer to this commonly asked question and how you can do a quick little test at home to prove verify what this "black pepper" stuff is.
4. What are the best methods to control fleas on my pet and in my house?
© Simon Davison on Flickr
Fleas have a complex, 4-stage life cycle. Control of fleas on your pet and in your home must address all stages of this life cycle to stop the problem of flea infestation. This article will cover several different methods that are effective at controlling fleas, when used properly.
5. Why does my pet have fleas when flea control products are regularly applied?
© Suzanne Jesperson (416style) on Flickr
Viewer question from the Veterinary Medicine forum: ANGELAESQUILIN asks: "My five month old Cocker Spaniel has been on Frontline® for three months now. Every Saturday I give her a bath also using a flea and tick shampoo recommended by my vet. Yesterday I saw her scratching herself and decided to check her with a flea and tick comb. To my amazement, I removed two fleas from her coat. I am not sure what I have done wrong for her to get fleas.
6. What is the life cycle of the flea, & why is flea control so difficult?
Image © Center for Disease Control (CDC)
Fleas. They make pets' lives miserable, and humans begin to itch just at the thought of them. Vets are often asked what pill, drop, dip, collar, or shampoo works the best to get rid of these persistent parasites. The answer is that there is no single method or insecticide that will completely eradicate (or at least control) a flea problem. The flea life cycle is fairly complex, and understanding the various stages will make it easier to get rid of them.
7. Make Fleas, Ticks, and Mosquitoes Feel Unwelcome
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure - especially when it comes to flea and tick control. Here are some tips contributed by Farnam Pet Products.8. Veterinary Q & A: Itching, Scratching, and Hair Loss
© blmurch on Flickr
Yes, fleas can make pets and people itchy and uncomfortable, but don't always assume that your pet's itchiness is the result of fleas. Learn about flea allergy and some other possible causes for your pet's itchiness.
9. Dermatology Diary Photo Gallery
© Lianne McLeod DVM, Guide to Exotic Pets
This article is not specifically about fleas, but a good case history and workup of two itchy dogs. Lianne McLeod, Guide to Exotic Pets at About.com, has written an extensive "dermatology diary" account of her two dogs who suffer from itchy skin and hair loss. Learn what is involved in a veterinary referral work up; how skin diseases are examined and ruled out, the topical medications, oral medications and special diets that veterinary dermatologists use to diagnose and return their patients to good health.
