Hot spells offer perfect conditions for fleas to thrive, B.C. SPCA says
Dogs and cats move a bit slower during a heat wave, but the same cannot be said for fleas, which are more active than ever.
Our recent stretch of unusually warm weather has created perfect conditions for juvenile forms of the flea, that thrive in carpets, lawns and just about everywhere else.
“When we have consistently warm weather, you tend to see more fleas and that will mean more flea infestations in the late summer or early fall,” said Dr. Emilia Gordon, senior manager of animal health for the B.C. Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
An uptick in fly and mosquito populations are a sign that insect life cycles are speeding up and that your pet is at greater risk of getting fleas.
While a long period of very dry weather can kill larvae, the rain expected later this week in southwestern B.C. will probably be a lifeline for moisture-stressed immature fleas.
“People let their guard down if their pet hasn’t gotten fleas so far and then they end up with a big flea problem late in the season,” she said.
It’s better for your pet and your home to treat for fleas now when they are most active. An indoor infestation may require treatment by an exterminator.
“Adult fleas live on animals, but that is the tip of the iceberg,” she said. “Flea eggs, larvae and pupae — all those other life stages — actually take place in the environment, anywhere cats and dogs can get to.”
Juvenile fleas can hang out for months waiting for Fluffy to come and roll on the lawn, where they climb aboard and start feeding on your pet’s blood.
“They really like to complete their life cycle and jump on to animals when it’s hot,” she explained. “And right now animals are outside a lot where they can be exposed to fleas.”
Chewing around the hindquarters and scratching around the neck are a typical reaction to flea bites.
“You might not be able to see them very easily,” said Gordon.
Look for little red bumps and a “salt and pepper” mix of flea feces and eggs in your pet’s fur, a sure indication that adult fleas are present.
There are several effective oral and topical medications that kill adult fleas on your pet, available through veterinarians. And be sure to wash your pets’ bedding when you treat them.
Right now animals are outside a lot where they can be exposed to fleas.