Fleas bite the skin of your pets, causing irritation and itchiness. In some cases, your pet may have a severe reaction to the fleas or the fleas may carry diseases. At East El Paso Animal Hospital, our veterinarian team provides wellness exams and pet grooming to spot and treat any fleas that may be on your pets. Flea prevention is often the ideal course of action for puppy and kitten care, as a lot of the treatments available can be too strong for very young animals.

The Importance of Wellness Exams for Preventing Fleas

Our East El Paso veterinarian treats pets from infancy through old age. Wellness exams are a key part of our treatment program, as the exams allow our team to detect any problems, such as a flea infestation, before those problems become serious concerns. A wellness exam from our East El Paso veterinarian also makes sure that your puppy or kitten is receiving the vaccinations and care they need on schedule.

Treatment options for fleas vary from pet to pet. Some medications designed to kill adult fleas on adult dogs are too harsh for puppies or toxic to cats. Our trained veterinarian team knows what course of treatment is preferred for your pets based on their age and type. You may be able to treat the fleas at home by applying a topical liquid or by giving your pet a pill.

There are several ways a pet owner can prevent fleas from returning or from infesting the pet in the first place. Vacuuming rugs and carpeted areas regularly will remove any adult fleas, larvae and eggs from the area. It is especially important to vacuum areas where your pet spends a lot of time, such as the bedding. Also vacuum along the very edge of the carpet and between the cushions on upholstered furniture.

Regular pet grooming is also essential for flea removal and prevention. A special comb can be used to remove fleas from the fur of your pet.