Table of Contents
Flea Overview
Why is my pet still scratching after flea treatment?
Why am I seeing more fleas on my pet?
What should you do if you spot more fleas on your pet?
How to prevent fleas
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Why am I seeing more fleas after applying treatment to my pet?
- By Ellie
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- December 9, 2024
- 3 MIN READ
Fleas seem to appear out of nowhere and cause endless scratching, biting, and discomfort—not just for your furry friend but for you as well! You’ve done the responsible thing, applied the flea treatment, and expected things to improve. But wait, now there seem to be more fleas! What’s going on? Don’t worry; you’re not alone. Let’s dive into this scratchy conundrum and uncover what’s happening.
Flea Overview
Let’s start with the basics. Fleas are parasitic insects that thrive by feeding on the blood of warm-blooded animals, particularly our beloved cats and dogs. They’re incredibly resilient, with life cycles that include eggs, larvae, pupae, and adult fleas.
Here’s the kicker: only 5% of fleas in your home are adults; the other 95% are lurking as eggs, larvae, and pupae in your pet’s bedding, carpets, and furniture. Gross, right? This is why they’re notoriously difficult to get rid of—they’ve got a whole army waiting in reserve!
Why is my pet still scratching after flea treatment?
It’s easy to panic when your pet seems itchier after treatment, but this isn’t uncommon. Many flea treatments work by targeting adult fleas, making them hyperactive before they’re killed, like Itch Flea treatment for cats and dogs. This means fleas already on your pet may bite more frequently before they meet their doom, which could explain the increase in scratching.
Additionally, flea bites can cause allergic reactions in some pets, known as flea allergy dermatitis (FAD). Even after treatment, the irritation from bites may persist for a while as your pet’s skin heals. If the scratching continues for weeks, it’s worth consulting your vet to rule out secondary infections or other causes.
Why am I seeing more fleas on my pet?
Seeing more fleas isn’t necessarily a sign that the treatment isn’t working—it’s actually a sign that it is! Spot-on flea treatments, like Itch Flea Treatment for dogs and Itch Flea Treatment for cats, disrupt the flea life cycle, killing adult fleas and preventing new eggs from developing. When the adult fleas die, their movement triggers dormant flea pupae to hatch. This is called the pupal window, and it’s why you may see an influx of fleas a few days to weeks after applying the treatment.
Think of it like this: you’ve declared war on the flea population, and the adults are fleeing the battlefield. The ones you see now are simply the reserves coming out to meet their fate.
What should you do if you spot more fleas on your pet?
Seeing more fleas can be frustrating, but there are steps you can take to stay ahead of the problem:
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Stick to the treatment schedule
Missing doses or skipping months can allow the flea population to rebuild. Most treatments require a monthly application, so set a reminder to keep things consistent.
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Treat your home
Remember, fleas love to hide in carpets, furniture, and pet bedding. Regularly vacuum these areas and wash your pet’s bedding on a high heat setting. You can also use household flea sprays to target larvae and pupae, like Itch Flea House Spray.
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Comb your pet regularly
A fine-toothed flea comb can help remove fleas and their droppings from your pet’s coat. Keep a bowl of soapy water nearby to dunk the comb into, as fleas won’t survive in it.
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Monitor your pet’s behaviour
If your pet is scratching excessively, losing fur, or developing sores, it’s time to get advice from your vet. Persistent symptoms might indicate an allergy, infection, or even an issue with the specific treatment you’re using.
How to prevent fleas
Prevention is far easier (and less itchy) than battling an infestation. Here’s how to keep fleas at bay in the future:
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Many people assume fleas are only a summer problem, but central heating keeps homes cosy enough for fleas to survive year-round. Consistent preventative treatment is key.
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Regular grooming helps spot fleas early, while cleaning your home prevents them from setting up camp. Think of vacuuming as your secret weapon—it removes eggs and larvae before they can mature.
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Fleas often hitch a ride indoors from your garden or other outdoor spaces. Keep your lawn trimmed and discourage wildlife, like hedgehogs or stray animals, which can carry fleas into your pet’s territory.
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If your pet roams in areas prone to flea infestations, you might want to treat those spaces with pet-safe insecticides.
It can be disheartening to see more fleas after applying treatment, but rest assured, this is often part of the process. By sticking to your treatment plan, maintaining a clean home, and keeping an eye on your pet’s health, you’ll soon have the situation under control.
Remember, patience is key. Flea infestations don’t disappear overnight, but with persistence and a good routine, your pet—and your home—will be flea-free before you know it.
Get rid of fleas, ticks AND lice... and stop them coming back!
Fleas, ticks and lice can be a nightmare, but with the right approach, you can take control and rid your pets and home of these bothersome pests. Remember that parasites can be persistent, so patience and regular treatment will be your best friends! By addressing both your pet and their environment, you can ensure a flea-free and comfortable living space for both your furry companion and your family.
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