flea life cycle

Fleas are most often seen during the warmer months but as we keep our homes nice and warm throughout winter, we see fleas all year round. Only a small part of the adult flea population actually lives on your pet. The fleas’ eggs and larvae live in the environment and can survive for up to a year, so it is important to not only treat your animal directly for fleas but also decontaminate the environment as well. Wash your pet’s bedding using the hottest cycle and regularly vacuum/clean carpets. We do not recommend flea collars or flea shampoos alone as tend to be ineffective.

Fleas will tend to jump onto your pet only to feed and then jump off again. Dogs and cats can have a reaction to flea saliva resulting in a skin condition called Flea Allergy Dermatitis or FAD. Treatment of FAD can be complicated and veterinary consultation is recommended.

Some signs that your pet may have fleas include:

  • Scratching, biting and hair loss, especially at the base of the tail and rump
  • You may see fleas (especially over the rump and in the groin region)
flea treatment

Warning: Some non-veterinary brands of flea treatments for dogs are potentially lethal when applied to cats. Always seek veterinary advice about the best flea treatments for your pet.

95% diagram

For Pets

 

Topical treatments: Products like Frontline or Advantage are applied directly to the skin and can kill fleas and prevent new infestations.

Oral medications: Chewable tablets like Capstar can kill adult fleas quickly, while others like Comfortis provide longer-term protection.

Collars: Flea collars can provide ongoing protection, but their effectiveness varies by brand.
Shampoos: Special flea shampoos can help eliminate fleas but may need to be used alongside other treatments for lasting effects.

For the home

 

Vacuum regularly: Vacuum carpets, furniture, and pet areas to remove eggs and larvae.

Wash bedding: Regularly wash pet bedding and any fabric items in hot water.

Flea sprays and foggers: These can treat areas in your home and are effective for breaking the flea life cycle.

Diatomaceous earth: This natural powder can be sprinkled on carpets and floors to kill fleas by dehydrating them.

Prevention

 

  • Regular grooming and baths for pets can help spot and eliminate fleas early.
  • Maintain a clean home environment to reduce flea habitats.

 

Consult a Vet

 

For severe infestations or persistent issues, it’s best to consult a veterinarian for a tailored treatment plan.

Please call us to discuss an appropriate flea control program for your pet.
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Tessa Verde profile picture
Tessa Verde
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Very impressed with the Vet & staff Was so important to feel the warmth & empathy towards my ailing cat. Fabulous location for Betty ????
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Jessica Doncaster
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James and the team were amazing when we had to take Lulu in for stitches! Patient, the after care was great. Can recommend them to look after your fur baby.
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Kyle Wightman
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As Kew residents, our Lagotto Romagnolo Yoshi has been a patient of Dr James Taylor for some years during his time practicing nearby in Deepdene. Now that James is practising in Brighton, travelling the distance through Melbourne traffic to Brighton to see James on an ongoing basis for Yoshi’s health, is a no brainer for us. James’ attention to Yoshi on 29 May 2024 was as professional and caring as always. He removed two, luckily benign, lumps which had been growing for a while, and also identified a heart murmur. Before operating to remove the lumps, James undertook an echocardiogram on Yoshi to track down the cause of the heart murmur, identifying that he had Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease. This condition requires ongoing medication to control and improve the condition. Medication was immediately administered and due to Yoshi’s fitness otherwise, we asked James to go ahead and remove the lumps immediately. This was done, Yoshi has fully recovered, and we are delighted once again with James’ care and professionalism. Kyle & Terry
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Tim Gibson
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Fantastic and caring service from the Brighton Vet team to look after our cat. Amazing follow up service as well to ensure Garfunkel was progressing through his recovery
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Kate Hutchinson profile picture
Kate Hutchinson
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We are beyond grateful to Dr. James Taylor and the amazing team at Brighton Veterinary Hospital for saving our dog Nala. She needed emergency surgery due to a stomach blockage, and Dr. James stayed back to perform the operation, showing incredible dedication and compassion. The team even texted us to let us know she was doing well overnight and had eaten, which was so reassuring. Throughout Nala’s recovery, Dr. James and the staff checked in on her and patiently answered all of our (sometimes silly) questions, making us feel supported every step of the way. Thanks to their outstanding care, Nala is on the mend, wagging her tail once more, and we couldn’t be happier. If you’re looking for a vet who truly cares, Dr. James at Brighton Veterinary Hospital is the one. Thank you so much for everything!
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KT
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Doctor James was very experienced and provided us with a good advice which helped us make a decision of not doing a permanent surgery and instead did a temporary stitching to our puppy who had Entropion. This not only helped us save money , but also gave our puppy a chance to out grown the issue rather than having a permanent surgery.
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Chloe
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Dr James you took care of Haki at Balwyn for years and we have been trying to find you since we heard you left. My daughter did some detective work and found you I hope you don't mind. We are happy to travel even though it is far.
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Nick Holden
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James and the team did a fantastic job looking after our Cavador, Frankie, when she had to have a canine cruciate ligament surgery (TPLO). The surgery results were excellent and then their advice and care over the 12 weeks of rehab were first class - James was always contactable for quick checkins outside of consults and was very careful with medications owing to Frankie’s allergies. She is now back running flat out, full of energy and happy, Frankie loved going in for her check ups and pulled me through the door every time. A huge thanks from our whole family to the team!!
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Claudia Hounslow
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James is amazing ????
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Raymond Capkin
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Took my " Seve" shmoodle today for her final vaccination. The love James has for his clients shines through. Great personal service and am happy to have this clinic as my vet.