IT'S THAT TIME OF YEAR AGAIN! Spring is a time of rebirth. We see young animals and plants budding and growing with the onset of the warm weather. Unfortunately, we also see some pests hatch out at the same time. Warmth and humidity allow the young adult FLEA to emerge from its cocoon (or pupa). Pupae are found in the ground outside and hiding in nooks and crannies (particularly in among carpet fibers).

The adult flea then proceeds to feed by ingesting blood from our pets. After a blood meal, the female flea lays eggs which soon fall off the pet and onto the carpet, sofa or bedding. Larvae emerge from the eggs in approximately 5 days and shortly after will spin a cocoon (pupa) which can remain dormant for up to one year depending on environmental conditions. In ideal conditions, the adult flea will emerge from the pupa about 18 days after hatching from the egg. It is important to note that the pupal stage of the flea is very protected and will withstand the cold of winter, the heat and drying of summer and most insecticides. That is why you can see new adult fleas in the spring as soon as the weather is mild.

Fleas can cause several problems for our pets. The most common is intense scratching which leads to irritated, inflamed and infected skin. This is called flea bite hypersensitivity or Flea Allergic Dermatitis (FAD). The severity of the skin lesions will depend on the allergic threshold of the individual pet and on the number of fleas. Dogs with FAD will often chew on their skin (especially on the rump and hind legs) until it is raw and bleeding. Cats will often present with small scabs on the skin, especially around the neck and head area. These individuals need treatment for the dermatitis as well as treatment for fleas. The skin will not improve, however, until the fleas are under control.

Fleas play a vital role in the development of the tapeworm parasite. Tapeworm segments carrying eggs are passed in the pet's feces or actually emerge from the anus of the infected animal and fall into the bedding or soil or litter where they dry. The dried segments look like small flattened pieces of rice. Flea larvae (remember that the flea eggs are dropped in the same areas) then eat the tapeworm segments. The tapeworms develop inside the flea as it matures. When the adult flea gets on your pet, the pet will bite and groom to remove the flea, ingest it and allow the tapeworm to complete its life cycle. The adult tapeworm lives in the small intestine and can cause diarrhea, poor growth and a generally unthrifty appearance. In heavily infested animals, intestinal obstruction can occur. It has been shown in households with heavy flea infestations that children playing on the floor or with pets can accidentally ingest fleas and become infected with tapeworms as well.

Fleas remove blood as they feed and can cause anemia or a loss of red blood cells. This can be a life threatening condition, especially in young kittens and puppies. The degree of anemia depends on the number of fleas and on how long they have been present. Adult pets can be at risk as well, especially if they have other debilitating conditions, such as hookworms or malnutrition.

The easy part is preventative treatment. There are several excellent, safe and proven products available at the Animal Hospital. Can be killed the adult fleas on the pet. Also prevent flea eggs from hatching. Sometimes also provide protection against other parasites, so ask your veterinarian to help you make the best choice for your pet! All of these products are used once a month and are simple to use. It is important to continue flea control throughout the flea season (usually April through October or November, depending on the weather).

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