By Iddris Seidu

Fleas are tiny insects that irritate our pets by biting them. The pet then starts biting or licking itself, trying to get rid of the fleas. This can result in bald, raw patches, or rashes. Fleas use the pet as a host, sucking blood. The female can lay 2,000 eggs in her lifetime. A female flea is ready to produce eggs after feeding for 24 hours. The gestation period is two weeks. She can lay 50 eggs per day for 40 days. The eggs fall off and lie dormant wherever the pet has been, for example in the bed, on the carpet, chairs, floor or garden. Regular sweeping, washing and vacuuming of the pet’s environment will help get rid of flea eggs. Larvae emerge from the eggs which eat the dirt in the surroundings, then turn into pupae. From the pupa emerges an adult flea, which jumps onto the pet and the circle starts again.

One can sometimes find nests of fleas, especially behind the neck where the pet cannot groom itself. Another sign is black specks, which is dried blood. This may turn red when the pet is bathed.

Fleas also attack humans, leaving small red itchy spots. They are hard to catch as they can jump. They have no wings, but their hind legs propel them into the air. They are a host for tapeworm, which can affect your dog or cat, if they swallow a flea.

There are many remedies on the market — dips, powders and liquids. Your vet will advise. There are also sprays available to spray the house and garden. This kills larvae. Start with a very thorough bath, and then groom the animal with a flea comb to trap any live fleas left. You may try oral medications, such as CAPSTAR Tablets, and/or topical medications like Frontline and Advantage.

Products like Frontline kill fleas on the dog before they can reproduce. But you need to keep cleaning the environment where the dog lives too in order to ensure infections are kept to the barest minimum. There is no quick fix though.