Often times we’re unaware of a flea problem until it’s too late. But preventing fleas from biting pets and infesting your home is not hard when you keep a clean living space and groom your pets. Ready for some advice from your vet in D’Iberville, MS? Here are six ways to keep fleas away from pets:

• Bathe pets once a week: Fleas are not fans of water. Wash dogs in warm water at least once a week to wash away and deter fleas. Use a gentle or flea-killing dog shampoo, making sure to get deep in their coat and under pit and groin areas, then rinse thoroughly to remove soap and any bugs that are present. As for cats, they will clean themselves, but older cats and ones that roam outdoors a lot should be wiped down weekly to keep them as clean as possible.
• Wash pet bedding often: Because cleanliness is so important for general pet health, don’t forget to wash bedding regularly—especially after a bath or if you spot fleas. For this reason, purchase dog and cat beds with covers that are hot water approved and made of materials that can survive multiple washes a month. People blankets, rugs and pillows that pets like to hang out on also need frequent trips through the washing machine.
• Vacuum your house: A pet vacuum is your best friend on house cleaning day. Vacuum everywhere, including floors, furniture, underneath furniture, curtains and throw pillows. Not only do tumbleweed fur balls from dogs, cats and other hairy creatures act as a home for fleas, but the accompanying pet dander also makes for poor indoor air quality. So, whether fleas were already on your pet or are seeking refuge in detached fur, vacuum up balls of fur often.
• Use a flea comb: A flea comb is not just for when your dog already has fleas. Use a specially designed fine-toothed metal comb everyday by running it through your dog’s coat from top to bottom to remove loose fur, fleas and outdoor debris. Finding a few fleas early on can lessen the chances of them multiplying, and you can get your pooch in a flea bath right away.
• Clean outdoor areas: Both dogs and cats enjoy relaxing outside, but whether the spot they are lying on is clean or dirty is not important to them. Take preventative measures against fleas by sweeping decks and patios or spraying them down with soapy water on a regular basis. Pets also chill on the grass, so keep the lawn trimmed down to make sure fleas will have nowhere to hide.
• Start a flea control program: Along with regular baths with flea shampoo and using a flea comb, consider starting your pet on a vet-approved flea control program, like flea collars, oral chews, sprays, monthly topical drops. Doing so can save your pet from painful flea bites and having to sit through a professional-grade flea removal process with their vet in D’Iberville, MS.

If you need help with a pet that has fleas, or if you have any questions about how to rid your life of these pesky parasites, contact us at D’Iberville Veterinary Hospital today.