Small as they are, a flea's bite can trigger severe itching in dogs, cats and humans. Some animals even react allergic to their saliva which can lead to inflammations. Tapeworm infestation and anaemia can also accompany a flea infestation.
In short: fleas should not be allowed to spread at all in the fur and living space of pets. Here are some tips from the experts at the Fressnapf specialist retail chain as to how pet owners can prevent flea infestation.

Fleas love the warm season. As summer slowly comes to an end, the little hop-happy insects start looking for some cosy winter quarters. Via host animals such as dogs and cats, they arrive in homes which offer good opportunities for development in an average temperature of 20° C. A female flea can lay up to 50 eggs a day which trickle to the floor from the animal's fur. The hatched larvae search out carpets, chinks, cushions, upholstered furniture and beds where they can develop into adult fleas. While only around five percent of the flea population dwell in the fur of an animal, 95 percent are living in itssurroundings.

Taking precautions:
Hoover and clean your pet's living areas and favourite places. Dog's and cat's blankets as well as cushions should be washed regularly. Don't forget pet carrier boxes, dog houses or kennels. You should frequently give your pet a thorough combing. You can use a neck band or drops /spray device as a flea prophylaxis.

Treating a flea infestation:
Not only must you reliably annihilate the fleas on the animal, but also the offspring in their home. There are special environment sprays for exterminating the eggs and larvae. Sprays and so-called spot-on preparations which kill off adult fleas in the fur are suitable for external use. Apart from that, tablets and injections can also be used to prevent the fleas from proliferating. Your vet can advise you on which substances are the most effective for your individual needs. Fressnapf's team of vets are also available to answer your questions on www.fressnapf.de/tierarzt

Who bites who?
There are in fact several types of flea, among them the dog flea, cat flea and human flea. However, these little beasts are not so choosey as to whose blood they dine on. Regardless of whether it's a cat or a dog, the most irritating to our pets here in this country is the "cat flea".

If you are not sure if your pet is scratching itself because of a flea infestation or for some other reason, do a test: comb through the animal's fur firmly with your hand or using a flea comb; but first lay some white (kitchen) paper under them. If you discover small, reddish-black crumbs on it, that is the first sign. If you now sprinkle a few drops of water on them and reddish spots appear, you have evidence of flea excrement.

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Fleas and pets Itch scratch, itch scratch: fleas are not only unpleasant for pets - they can also trigger illnesses. With simple hygienic measures as well as sprays, neck bands and other preparations, you can prevent the spectre of plague from spreading in the pet's coat and living area. (Photos may only be reproduced with permission and in connection with editorial text. High-resolution photos can be requested from the Fressnapf press office.)