Dr Mark's Spring 09 Article
(Available through subscription of VetShopOnline Newsletter)
Spring – The best time to start a flea control program
Any pet owner who has battled a flea plague knows how difficult they are to eradicate. Taking control of a severe infestation is expensive, difficult, time consuming and very frustrating. Each flea on a pet can lay hundreds of eggs. These eggs hatch and can develop into adults in as little as 2 weeks in warm conditions, therefore in a relatively short time, flea numbers can build up to tremendous numbers.
The best way to prevent a flea infestation is to start treating the fleas early in the season while flea numbers are low. Spring is the best time to start a flea control program. By acting early pet owners can prevent a severe flea infestation later in the summer.
Adult fleas spend most of their life on the pets. Thousand of eggs are laid on the fur, then fall off
into the carpet , into cracks and crevices around the house, in your pet's bedding and wherever else the pet lays, sleeps or spends a lot of time. Here they hatch and develop into larvae, pupae and eventually grow to adulthood. The adults jump onto the closest animal and the flea lifecycle starts over.
The majority of the flea population exists at the non adult stage in the environment and for every adult flea on a dog or cat there are 20 fleas off the animal.
Flea treatment needs to address the fleas both on and off your pets. For treatment on your pets I recommend one of the better ‘spot on’ type products such as Revolution, Advantage, Advocate (Advantage Multi), k9 Advantix or Frontline Plus. These products are applied monthly. They are safe and easy to use. Some have the added advantage of also treating the non adult life stages, by stopping flea eggs from hatching or killing the flea larvae. Revolution and Advocate (Advantage Multi) also prevent another serious disease - heartworm.
If fleas are in very large numbers, I recommend a flea rinse called Permoxin 
for use in dogs. This product comes as a concentrate. After mixing with water, spray or rinse the dog daily for 2 weeks until the flea numbers are depleted and then weekly or twice weekly as required. The active ingredient in Permoxin is very toxic to cats, so it cannot be used on cats.
For treatment off your pet, frequent vacuuming of the carpets and washing your pet’s bedding will physically remove 
many of the non adult fleas. Flea bombs or foggers contain insecticides and insect growth regulators that control the eggs, larvae and pupae for up to 12 months. Outside, a yard spray can be applied around kennels, under trees, stairs or other favorite places that your pet lays, sleeps or spends a lot of time.
All animals in a household should be treated at the same time. Reduce the risk of other dogs and cats from entering your yard and always read the manufacturer’s directions before use.
Many cheaper supermarket brands are nowhere near as effective as the vet products and will end up costing more in the long run.
Effective flea treatment at this time of the year will keep your pet healthier and happier for the entire spring and summer period.