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Effective Flea Treatment with Advantage Flea Control by Bayer

For over ten years, pet owners and veterinarians alike have trusted Advantage flea control to keep their pets and families healthy and happy. Fleas are tiny parasites that can be found all over the world and can also cause year-round problems in many areas. Regardless of where you live, chances are the conditions within your home are favorable for fleas to flourish.

The Telltale Signs of Fleas

The flea is generally light to dark brown in color and is oval shaped. Covered in tiny bristles that help them move along and cling to their host, fleas are able to jump relatively long distances to get from host to host or to avoid danger. The female flea uses the host’s blood to nourish her developing eggs that hatch in about a week. Although the life of a flea is short lived, the female can lay at least 100 eggs during a period of just a few months.

After hatching, the flea larvae spin a silken cocoon in which to mature in. In one to two weeks, the adult fleas emerge from their pupae, but may also remain dormant for a period of several months depending on the availability of food and whether or not there’s a suitable host nearby.

Many dogs and cats have allergic reactions to flea bites, which is due to proteins in their saliva causing them to scratch incessantly. This frequent scratching may cause hair loss, which is usually found near the base of the tail, inside the thighs, or on the abdominal area. For cats, it’s common to see small, circular shaped crusts or raised, red areas on the skin when there is a flea infestation. Dogs may develop a skin infection or have other red lesions on their body, as well as patches of hair loss.

Only 5% of adult fleas are living on the actual animal, with the other 95% of the population being eggs or larvae that are usually very well hidden throughout the home in places such as bedding, furniture, and carpeting. This means that for every few fleas you see on your dog or cat, there may be hundreds and hundreds more developing, which is why re-infestation is a common problem.

Flea Control Through Prevention and Early Diagnosis

Perhaps the very best way to control fleas is through prevention. Advantage flea and tick protects cats and dogs for an entire month with one application, making it easier to keep the pests at bay.

One of the most important things to remember when it comes to protecting your pet from fleas is that even if you stop seeing any signs of the pests, you must continue to use a flea control product all year round to prevent a re-infestation. Eggs and larvae, the immature stages of the flea’s life cycle, are commonly found in concentrations in areas where your pet sleeps or eats.

In addition to treating your pet, for complete flea control you must also be sure to thoroughly clean the rest of your home as well. Floors should be regularly vacuumed and any bedding should be washed in very hot water. Fleas thrive in warm, humid areas, particularly during the summer months.

A veterinarian will perform diagnostic tests that involve the use of flea antigens and other tests that are used to rule out any possible other conditions that may be caused by exposure to fleas. They will also look for signs of flea dirt and patterns of hair loss caused by scratching.

Easy Application

Using Advantage flea and tick couldn’t be simpler. Depending on the weight of the animal, your veterinarian will calculate the correct dosage needed to be effective. Once monthly, the pre-measured dose is applied to the skin in a quick process that gives them relief in as little as three to five minutes. Starting toward the head and working your way toward the tail end, part the fur and squeeze the treatment onto your pet’s skin. The medication will slowly spread naturally over the skin as your pet moves about.

Potential Health Risks Caused by Fleas

Besides causing itching and discomfort, fleas also pose a health risk as they may possibly spread harmful organisms from host to host, causing certain diseases as well as tapeworms. Your pets aren’t the only ones who are affected by the pesky parasites that are capable of spreading bacterial, viral, and parasitic diseases to humans, although flea-borne diseases rarely occur in modern day times.

The common flea, although they prefer dogs or cats as their hosts, will also bite humans. Flea bites can also become more serious and lead to allergic skin reactions as the constant scratching and breaking of the skin may lead to an infection.

The Many Benefits of Advantage Flea Control

- Offers convenient flea control with one application every 30 days, protecting pets for the entire month.

- Advantage flea continues to be effective even after grooming or swimming so there’s no need to reapply.

- Pets benefit from immediate relief as Advantage flea and tick starts working in as little as three to five minutes, putting an end to painful bites.

- Within the first 12 hours, Advantage flea kills 98 to 100% of fleas, killing them before they have a chance to lay more eggs throughout the house.

- Within 20 minutes, Advantage flea control kills the larvae of fleas before they have a chance to reach maturity and re-infest your home or pet.

- Even if your pet gets fleas from another animal, Advantage flea control protects them by killing any re-infesting fleas within two hours.

For more information on these products please visit our website at www.PetsMightyMart.com.au or email us by using our online Contact form.