Humane Services

Ask a Vet

By Dr. Heather Hillier Veterinarian, City of St. John’s

What about Flea Control?

Should I use flea control now that it’s getting colder outside?

Yes. Infection can occur any time of the year. Adult fleas may live on your pet, but the remainder of their life cycle (eggs, larva and pupae) are completed in the home. Pupae that is resistant to flea treatments and household cleaning will hatch and re-infect you pet.

My cat stays indoors. Do I need flea control?

Yes. Fleas don’t just live outside, they can thrive in the controlled environment of our home and indoor pet infestations can still occur. All pets in a household should have a flea prevention routine.

Can I just buy dog flea control and share it between multiple cats?

No. Cats are much more sensitive to flea treatment than dogs and some ingredients that are safe for dogs can be fatal to cats. It is important to use a flea product specifically labelled for cats and you should consult your veterinarian if you are treating cats and dogs in the same household to ensure the products you are using are safe for all your pets.

My pet had fleas and no matter what I use, the fleas keep coming back. Why?

This is a prime example of “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” There is no quick fix to treat fleas once they are established on a pet and in a home. It will often take months for any flea treatment to be successful, however below are some key points essential to success:

1. Use flea products that kill fleas at multiple stages of their life cycle, not just the adults or eggs. I recommend purchasing products directly from your veterinarian.

2. Treat all furred pets in the household with appropriate flea treatment year-round.

3. Wash all pet bedding regularly in hot water and vacuum flooring daily. Dispose of the vacuum contents after each use.

4. In some cases, your home environment will need to be treated separately with a flea spray.

5. Rotate flea products. Fleas can develop resistance to a particular product over time.

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