Do dogs really need flea treatment?
Laila Frami
2025-08-08 15:23:03
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Not all dogs need flea treatment, as the standard practice in the UK at present is to advise that customers take a preventative approach, treating their pets every couple of months even if they don’t have fleas. Defra and the veterinary profession need to take responsibility for development of a sustainable alternative, but an obvious first step is to stop treating animals for fleas if they don’t have fleas. After all, we don’t treat our children against nits if they don’t have them. Fleas can also be prevented by using a flea comb and washing pet bedding regularly. Why do I need to apply chemicals to them if they don’t actually have fleas?! I never did this to my children – I only treated them for nits when they had nits, not monthly to prevent them. A risk-based approach to prescribing or recommending these medicines, reflecting an animal’s exposure to parasites, is encouraged by the British Veterinary Association. Owners should speak with their vet about their animal’s needs and how to responsibly use and dispose of these medicines to minimise environmental contamination.
Nash Rosenbaum
2025-08-08 14:08:38
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Fleas stand out as a primary cause of skin issues in dogs and cats. Some pets can develop an allergic reaction to flea saliva, requiring only a few bites to trigger a severe skin reaction. Fleas are also carriers of the common flea tapeworm and, in severe cases, can lead to anaemia. To determine the appropriate level of flea treatment for your dog, we will collaborate with you to conduct a risk assessment based on your pet's lifestyle and behaviour. Once every month, you should treat your pet for fleas, and every two to three months, or even more frequently, for worms. The flea treatment products you use should be recommended by our vets and suited to your dog’s breed, size and weight. The flea treatments we advise kill existing fleas quickly and protect your dog for 4 weeks. Signs Your Dog Already Has Fleas include frequent scratching or intense irritation, tiny black specs of flea dirt in the pet’s fur or found in their bedding, small spots or scabs on the skin, and areas of skin irritation or hair loss.
Maye Gleichner
2025-08-08 13:46:59
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If your dog has fleas, you'll need to treat them and your home to get rid of them. Many dogs enjoy walks, but this creates a good opportunity to pick up fleas. Because of this, it may be better to use a good quality preventative treatment, as recommended by your vet. You should speak to your vet about your dog's flea treatment needs. Puppies or weaker dogs are more at risk of developing health issues caused by fleas. Always follow your vet's advice when considering flea treatment for your dog. The risk of getting fleas depends on how much time your dog spends in environments outside the home, and if they spend time with other animals who may carry fleas. Some dogs are not very sensitive to flea bites, so you may not notice any signs of fleas at all. If your dog suffers from a flea allergy, they may have a more severe reaction to fleas.
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