FLEAS! Those pesky little critters are here all year round in South East Florida and we need to be using a flea preventative every month in order to stop their invasion in our homes and on our pets.  Fleas cause many problems, as dogs and cats can be allergic to the fleas, which cause them to scratch their skin and cause scabs, skin infections, and inflammation.  Then our veterinarians need to treat with anti-inflammatories, antibiotics, and topical ointments and sprays.

            So be vigilant and use the topical liquids, like Frontline, or tablets, like Comfortis, monthly to prevent future skin problems and of course increased expenditures.  It can take several weeks for these immature stages that are already in the environment to complete their development, potentially exposing the pet to new fleas every day until this infestation runs its course.  Also, it can take as much as 2-3 months and sometimes longer in cooler rooms, for a well-established indoors flea infestation to completely run its course.        

            Remember animals do not have to be outside to contact fleas.  We can bring them inside on our clothes.  Pets that live in apartments and condos are at an increased risk for bringing fleas in from common areas- hallways, elevators, outside lawns, etc.

            An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!