Fleas??

vicki98_2

It seems our dog has got fleas. I have spotted at least 6 of the things jumping about and the dog has a few bumps on him that look like he has been bitten.

The only thing i can think of is that he got them from the sofa, we recently gained a new sofa from a friend who also has a dog, which we moved 10 minutes from their house to ours. My worry now is how the hell do i get rid of them .. i can spray/bath the dog/take to vets if need be, but is it possible they could be living in the sofa or anywhere, as i thought they could only live off blood??

flufff

fleas lay larvae in carpets and soft furnishings,also drop off pets...if covers remove i would wash them.....douse rest of sofa and lounge with flea spray/powder minding any birds/small pets/aquariums then give it a good hoovering.
Get treatment for dog too.Vets is more expensive but guarenteed to work or theirs shampoos,tablets,spot ons.Some work some dont.
If your on benefits pest control can spray whole house for you.
Good luck they are nasty blighters and will bite humans too.

tankgirl1

With regards to getting rid of an infestation, I'm afraid chemicals are the only way to go. Frontline is by far the best topical treatment for the pet, and I would advise Acclaim for the house.

If using Frontline spot on- the fluid MUST be in contact with the skin- not just the fur. If using the spray, wear gloves, and do it outside if possible. Dont forget the face/legs/tail etc. When doing around the pets face, spray a little fluid into your (gloved) palm, and rub on carefully.
Remember frontline is flammable, so keep pets away from open fires etc for a good 24 hrs.

When spraying the house, I'd advise doing a room at a time, so that you can vacate the area for a while. Best way to do it is to turn the central heating up full whack beforehand- this stimulates all the little blighters in various life stages, who are deep down in the carpet to emerge. Spray all the carpet and soft furnishings, in all nooks and crannys. ventilate the room afterwards.
Do a spot test first though!!! And also remove any fish/budgies/small pets from the room, as these sprays can be highly toxic, even fatal to these!

Ive seen loads of clients who use all kinds of wierd and wonderful concotions/old wives tales on fleas..............and none of them work!!
Flea collars are a waste of money also, as are any supermarket preperations.

GOOD LUCK!!

tankgirl1

sorry, didnt mention -frontline and acclaim are available only from the vets (although i believe you can get them at some online pharmacies)

they do cost more than supermarket/pet shop preparations, but there is a reason for that! they work!!

Debt_Free_Chick

vicki98 wrote:

It seems our dog has got fleas. I have spotted at least 6 of the things jumping about and the dog has a few bumps on him that look like he has been bitten.

Go to your vet and get Frontline. Firstly, it will kill existing fleas and larvae. Secondly, it will then prevent any new infestation for about 6 weeks. It's absorbed into the skin and "lives" on the dog, therefore blocking out any new visitors.

Get a course of Frontline and apply it every 4-6 weeks and your dog will never catch fleas again.

You've made me itch now just thinking about it :rotfl:

in_my_wellies

I agree with above - Aclaim is the best for rooms. Vacuum then spary and you will be clear for a year. I do it every June, just as the weather warms up. One can has lasted me 3 years so far for a four bed house. Can cost £15 - worth every penny