If you’re a pet owner, you’ve probably had to battle a flea infestation at least once in your lifetime. Animals carry fleas, and they can be incredibly difficult to get rid of once they’ve put down roots in your home. If you’re keen to tackle fleas or turn your home into a no flea zone, these top tips will help.

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Grooming your pets

If you have cats or dogs, it’s essential to groom them on a regular basis. This removes excess hair, and it can be beneficial for you and your pet. Use a specially designed grooming brush and gently move the brush down your pet’s body, moving in the direction of hair growth. Create a pile of fur, and use your vacuum cleaner to suck it up once you’ve finished.

If you think your pet may have fleas, use a fine-toothed comb, and guide it through the fur, paying particular attention to the areas around the ears and tail. Before you start, fill a small plastic cup or bowl with warm soapy water. If you do find any fleas when you’re combing your pet, place them in the cup as quickly as possible. Fleas jump, and they can get away within seconds. You may come across live fleas or feces. Flea feces look like very small black dots, which will be visible in the comb. Fleas jump on and off host animals, so if you’ve got feces, it’s likely that there are fleas lurking around. Look out for traces on bedding and soft furnishings. If your pet has got fleas, you may also suffer, as fleas can jump onto you, and they bite. Flea bites tend to be small and red. They are often very itchy.

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Treating fleas

You can go to a store and buy products, such as sprays and foam cleaners to treat fleas. However, the best thing to do is contact your vet and buy medication, which you can give to your cat or dog. This is usually much more effective, and it helps to tackle the problem much faster. It’s also essential to vacuum your house from top to bottom and to wash your bedding, and your pet’s bed on a high-temperature wash. If you don’t want to use chemical detergents, consider investing in a portable steam cleaner. Use your vacuum nozzle to cover every surface, including skirting boards. Keep grooming and combing your pet, and hopefully, you’ll notice that you’re no longer finding fleas or feces.

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If you have more than one pet, it’s advisable to treat all the animals, as fleas multiply rapidly, and it’s highly likely that all your furry friends are affected, even if you can’t see clear signs. Follow the treatment instructions, and ask your vet if you have any queries or concerns.

Living with fleas can be a nightmare. Just when you thought you’d seen the back of them, you notice your dog scratching their leg or your cat frantically itching their ears. If you’re worried about fleas, this guide should come in handy. Keep your home clean, groom your pets, and use vet-approved treatments. Hopefully, you’ll be living in a no flea zone before you know it.