Pets are exposed to fleas in their home environment both indoors and outdoors. Since they prefer cats and dogs to other hosts, an infestation of your pet, their pen, and your home can occur very quickly – sometimes even before you realize your cat has fleas.

So the first thing you want to do if you find fleas on Fifi is kill them.

Get rid of fleas on cats FAST

The fastest product to kill fleas on cats is Capstar. Capstar is available without a prescription, is inexpensive, and begins to kill fleas within 30 minutes. Sounds wonderful, but it only works for one day.

Capstar is extremely affordable at just a few dollars a pill, and it can be bought at your veterinarian’s office or local pet store.

Flea bites are very irritating and can make your kitty or puppy act crazy. Capstar is the easiest way to get rid of fleas on your cat (or dog) fast.

You should also bathe your dog in a gentle shampoo that is safe for its eyes. Your pet has not only live fleas but flea eggs and flea dirt (a term used for flea feces) as well.

A bath will wash all that away as well as relieve some itching and soothe irritated skin.

5 steps to get rid of fleas in your house

If you follow these steps, you’ll find it’s not very difficult to get rid of cat fleas fast, and you won’t need to resort to using chemical bombs or expensive pest control companies.

Basically, you need to clean your house very well making sure to do these things:

1. Wash your cat or dog. Any shampoo will do as fleas will drown and die in the water. If your pet is very irritated from flea bites, try a soothing oatmeal formula.
2. Wash all bedding where your pet sleeps or fleas have been seen. You don’t need any special soap here either, just wash the bedding in your washing machine as usual.
3. Replace any filling in dog or cat beds. If you can’t remove and replace the bedding, you’re better off buying a new bed for your pet. Flea eggs, larvae, and pupae are already hiding inside of the filling so you need to get rid of them.
4. Vacuum. Every. Day. You can kill fleas in carpet simply by vacuuming. Flea eggs are not sticky and they’re easily sucked up by your vacuum. Sprinkle DE + Borax (in desperation, use Sevin Dust) into your vacuum bag or container to kill live fleas that get sucked in.
5. Use a flea preventative on your pet. Combining these steps with one of the recommended flea pills or collars listed below for at least 3 months will get rid of your flea problem.

Treating flea bites on cats and dogs

Usually getting rid of the fleas will take care of the problem, however, the reaction to the bites can be very irritating for some pets.

1. A bath is the very first step for soothing flea bites on your cat or dog. Try a soothing oatmeal shampoo or even dish soap to provide relief for your pet. I’m not a fan of flea shampoos that contain pesticides. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen a pet with live fleas and the owner said they just washed them in flea shampoo.
2. Benadryl can be effective at calming the itchy feeling, but it’s not the best. If you want to try it, Benadryl dosing for pets is 1/2 to 1 mg per pound twice daily.
3. Topical ointments and sprays that contain cortisone can be helpful as well. Be careful not to apply to the face or on a pet that is likely to lick the solution off.

Preventing fleas on your cat or dog

Prevention is really the best option if you live in an area that is prone to fleas. Fleas are most active during the warmest times of the year, but in some areas of the US, we can see flea problems year round.

It’s a common thought that you can discontinue flea prevention in the winter months, but as you can tell by the map below, a majority of our country will experience trouble with fleas for 10-12 months of the year.

There are many natural options for preventing fleas on your cat or dog, but if you’re in one of the hot zones for fleas, you may find that natural methods are just not enough to truly take care of the problem.

And if you or your pet are allergic to flea bites, there’s no reason to torture yourselves by trying to avoid using pesticides for flea treatment. Judicious use of pesticides is nothing to be ashamed of if it improves your health and quality of life.

Fortunately, there are a lot of flea prevention options for your pet.

The best flea collar

One of my favorite products for pets with flea problems/allergies is the Seresto Collar. Unlike cheap flea collars which only work within a few centimeters of the collar, the Seresto collar will actually kill fleas over your pets entire body.

You can leave this collar on for flea control up to 8 months. Seresto collars do not require a prescription and can vary in price from $30 to $80. The cost tends to be higher at your veterinarian’s office because veterinarians do not have the buying power that stores like Wal-Mart and Target do.

So while you can get a better price by purchasing from your big box stores, you’ll be supporting a local business by purchasing from your vet. Be sure to ask about any coupons or rebates from the manufacturer as you can sometimes get a rebate coupon when you purchase from your veterinarian.

In my experience, Seresto has been very effective for most pet families. Occasionally, a pet will be allergic to the collar itself. If that happens to you, the manufacturer may refund your purchase price and pay for some or all of the treatment.

I haven’t been convinced that there’s been any flea resistance to Seresto. All flea preventatives take some time to kill the fleas, so pets living in an area where there are lots of fleas may still have live fleas seen on them from time to time.

Pros of the Seresto collar:

• Works continuously for 8 months with no monthly pill to administer
• Safe for pregnant and nursing dogs
• Also kills ticks

Cons of the Seresto collar:

• Can be expensive
• Does not contain heartworm or intestinal parasite treatment
• Occasionally allergic reactions will occur

The best flea pill for cats and dogs

Honestly, there are lots of really good options for flea control in pill form. I like Comfortis because the active component, spinosad, is organically derived from bacteria that live in the soil.

We use spinosad sprays for caterpillars in the garden, and I’ve even seen homesteaders use it to treat their chickens for lice. Unfortunately, although it’s available in the garden department as a spray, this flea pill for cats and dogs is available by prescription only.

Pros of Comfortis:

• Naturally derived compound that is fast and effective against fleas
• Convenient once-monthly pilling
• Is combined with milbemycin in Trifexis to treat heartworms, fleas, and intestinal parasites in dogs

Cons of Comfortis:

• May cause vomiting
• May lower seizure threshold in epileptic pets
• Not safe in pregnant or lactating pets

The longest-lasting flea pill

Bravecto is a great product for those who live in areas with a heavy flea burden. Bravecto is a flavored chewable pill or topical solution that kills fleas and ticks on dogs and cats for up to 12 weeks.

Bravecto is available from your veterinarian by prescription only and costs about $70 per treatment.

Pros of Bravecto:

• One treatment kills fleas and ticks for 12 weeks
• Safe for pregnant and lactating dogs
• Also treats some types of mange

Cons of Bravecto:

• May be expensive
• Pets must be over 6 months old
• Use with caution in pets with a history of seizures

What about Frontline?

Frontline has become much more affordable since the active ingredient, fipronil, came off patent a few years ago. However, even before the decline in cost, we were seeing a decline in efficacy which may indicate that certain populations of fleas were developing resistance to the treatment.

That said, I know some pet owners who find that Frontline is still very effective, so it might be worth a try for your family. It’s also an inexpensive and safe choice for pregnant and lactating dogs and cats.

Home remedies for fleas on cats and dogs

If you don’t have a heavy flea burden and you want to try natural methods for controlling fleas, then I have some good news. There are some natural methods for controlling fleas that work great.

But you need to have realistic expectations.

If your pet already has a lot of fleas, scabs on their skin, or a skin infection, then you should see your veterinarian for medical treatment. You’ll end up spending more time and money on treatments that don’t work and medical complications for your pet if you avoid going to the vet.

Let your pet’s doctor do his or her job, follow their recommendations, and then use these natural methods as adjunct approaches for controlling further flea problems.

Food-grade diatomaceous earth (DE) + Borax will kill fleas

A 50:50 mixture of DE and Borax will help control your flea problem. It works by scraping through their soft skin as they crawl through it causing them to dry out and die.

Be cautious spreading DE in confined areas as the aerosolized powder when inhaled in large amounts can cause lung damage to people, children, and pets. DE is, however, safe when applied directly to your pets and is not harmful if ingested orally (in small amounts).

Sprinkle the Borax + DE mixture in your pet’s bedding, around the edges of their housing, and under furniture, furniture cushions, and along baseboards in your home. (This is the same method I use for cleaning my chicken coop.)

While DE + Borax can help minimize a flea infestation, it’s not a great option for treatment in severe cases. I recommend using this method in addition to other flea control methods mentioned in this article.

Use flea-repellent bedding

Some great options for flea-repellent bedding include cedar and hemp. Both of these materials are repellent to fleas and may help reduce flea infestations.

Many pests find the scent of cedar and hemp unpleasant, so using either of these materials as bedding for your pets can decrease your problem with fleas.

Both will decrease in efficacy over time, so you’ll have to replace the bedding periodically. For pets that sleep indoors, use a bed with a removable & washable cover so you can refresh the bedding as needed.

I use hemp bedding in my chicken coops, and I found the best price including shipping for a 33# bag on Amazon. Cedar flakes are easy to find in pet stores and online.

Use dried herbs to repel fleas on cats and dogs

You can also sprinkle dried and ground herbs to help repel fleas on your cat or dog. Some good herbal options for repelling fleas include:

• Rosemary
• Lavender
• Chamomile
• Catnip
• Citronella

Using essential oils for fleas on cats and dogs

Essential oils can act as repellents for fleas, but you must be very cautious when using EOs with pets. If you overdo it, you can cause illness or even death.

I do not recommend applying essential oils directly to your pets without direct veterinary supervision. It’s very easy to apply too much oil to your pet and cause them harm. Plus, cats and dogs are very likely to lick any areas where you apply oils and, when ingested in excess, essential oils can be extremely toxic.

Instead, try adding a couple of drops to your diffuser or sprinkling a couple of drops around their favorite lounging locations.

Some essential oils that can repel fleas include:

• Lemon
• Lemongrass
• Cedar
• Pennyroyal
• Rosemary
• Lavender
• Eucalyptus
• Basil
• Thyme
• Clove
• Peppermint

In her book for using essential oils in veterinary medicine, Dr. Shelton recommends using Longevity essential oil blend by Young Living for keeping fleas off of dogs. It is not generally used for cats.

Her recommended oral dosing for dogs is

• 2-3 drops per day for small dogs
• 3-5 drops every day for medium-sized dogs
• 6-7 drops maximum per day for large dogs

When to see a vet about fleas

When a flea bites the skin, it injects a small amount of its saliva to prevent the blood from clotting at the site so the bug can feed. The saliva injected may contain parasites and causes an intensely itchy local reaction.

What’s worse, is that some pets and people are allergic to flea saliva causing an even more intense reaction.

Your cat has fleas plus bald spots, open sores, or stinks

A pet with a severe flea allergy will lose hair exposing red, raw skin and scabs. Often they get a skin infection as well which causes more itching, scabs, and a bad odor.

Sometimes, pets are so allergic to fleas that even one flea bite can cause obsessive itching and open sores. Left untreated, flea allergies and infestations can lead to serious skin infections that are uncomfortable for your pet and expensive to treat.

Your cat has fleas and is lethargic or won’t eat

Not only are fleas a carrier of certain blood infections, but because fleas feed exclusively on blood, small cats and dogs can become anemic (having low red blood cell counts) with a heavy infestation of fleas.

In addition to being extremely uncomfortable, flea bites can lead to secondary skin infections and if the flea is ingested it can give your pet tapeworms.

So you can see that it’s important to make sure you’re treating and preventing fleas before they become a major issue. And hopefully, this article has given you plenty of ideas to get your pet and home comfortable again.

Have you struggled to get rid of fleas on cats or dogs?

Share your experience in the comments below.

Disclaimer: Although I am a veterinarian, I am not YOUR veterinarian. The information in this blog post is not intended to diagnose, prescribe, or treat medical illnesses. If you are concerned that you or your pet are ill, you should visit a qualified healthcare professional for treatment right away.

The post Get Rid Of Fleas On Cats And Dogs (A Vet’s Top Choices) appeared first on You Should Grow.

If your cat eats poinsettia leaves, you may notice that she starts drooling or even vomiting. Fortunately, the symptoms of poinsettia toxicity are mild and self-limiting.

You may want to rinse out your cat’s (or dog’s) mouth with some water, but there is no reason to become overly concerned or rush to the vet.

However, there are some common holiday plants that are quite toxic to pets.

This complete guide covers both safe and poisonous holiday plants for cats and dogs.

Toxicity to other homestead animals is noted where appropriate.

Cats are the most likely to chew and nibble at plants, although many dogs will also take a taste. If you know your cat or dog already has the habit of eating your houseplants, then you definitely want to make sure you place your plants out of reach of your pet.

Dogs and cats don’t digest plant material very well, so even ‘non-toxic’ plants can cause some upset stomach and vomiting. The danger in ingesting plants comes when the plant contains a toxin or has an abrasive surface that can damage the intestinal wall.

The toxicity of plants is generally dose-dependent, so cats and small dogs are more easily affected.

I included all kinds of plants that are commonly displayed or gifted during the holiday season. As you read through the list, they increase in toxicity. So the plants at the top of the list are generally considered safe while those at the bottom are potentially lethal.

If you don’t see the plant you are looking for, you can search for it on the ASPCA website.

The information in this list is not a substitute for veterinary advice. If you are worried about your pet, you should not hesitate to call your veterinarian.

What should you do if your pet is sick after eating one of these plants?

• Never give your pet any medications to stop the vomiting or diarrhea without speaking to your veterinarian first.  It is not always appropriate to try to prevent vomiting. The vomiting may actually be helping your pet get rid of the toxic substance.
• Do offer water to your pet, but do not try to force them to drink it. Distressed pets may inadvertently bite you if your hands are in their mouth when they become ill.
• For mild vomiting and diarrhea, you can offer your pet some plain, boiled chicken and plain white rice for one or two meals. Mix 2 parts rice with one part chicken. No salt, butter, or seasonings.
• Call your veterinarian if you notice anything from the following list.

You should always speak to a veterinarian if:

• Your pet has vomited more than 3 times in 3 hours.
• Your pet has had diarrhea for more than 24 hours.
• Your pet has ingested any of these plants and is showing symptoms of illness.
• You see blood in your pet’s vomit-may be bright red or have the appearance of coffee grounds.
• You see blood in your pet’s stool-may be bright red, red jelly-like consistency, or black stools.
• Your pet is lethargic, hiding, refusing food, or having accidents in the house.
• Your pet has passed out, does not respond to your voice, or is having seizures.

Here is the complete guide to safe and poisonous holiday plants for pet owners.

Rosemary

• Other names: Rosmarinus
• Potential toxicity: SAFE

If you have a cat that likes to chew on plants, rosemary is a good choice for your home. You can place miniature Christmas trees made of rosemary wherever you need a festive touch. Plus, their lovely smell is quite appealing…unless you’re a cat.

“Frosty Fern” Club Moss

• Other names: Cushion moss, spikemoss, Irish moss
• Potential toxicity: SAFE

Fairly new to holiday plant selection, Frosty Fern is not actually a fern. It’s a variety of club moss with pretty frosted tips. I have seen some claims that this plant is toxic to cats, however, in veterinary literature, club moss is considered non-toxic.

Orchids

• Other names: Phalaenopsis Orchid, Moth Orchid
• Potential toxicity: SAFE

Orchids make beautiful houseplants. The most common type of orchid sold in the US, Phalaenopsis, is not toxic to pets. Because orchids are safe for cats and dogs, they are a good houseplant choice for pet owners.

Christmas Cactus

• Other names: Holiday cactus, Easter cactus, crab cactus
• Potential toxicity: SAFE
• Animals affected: dogs and cats
• Symptoms: mild to none. May cause nausea and vomiting if ingested.

Christmas cactus is a popular houseplant due to its ease of care. Although it may cause an upset stomach, Christmas cactus is not toxic to cats or dogs. If your pet has eaten some of your Christmas cactus and is throwing up, just give them a bit of time. The symptoms should resolve on their own within a few hours.

Bromeliads

• Other names: Blushing bromeliad
• Potential toxicity: SAFE

A festive choice for households with pets, the bromeliads are easy to grow and non-toxic to pets.

Christmas trees

• Other names: fir, pine, spruce
• Potential toxicity: mild
• Animals affected: dogs and cats
• Symptoms: abrasion and irritation of the mouth and intestinal tract possible

The toxicity of Christmas trees is not due to a toxin within the plant, but rather a side effect of tree needles causing irritation or perforation of the gastrointestinal tract.

If you think that your pet has ingested the leaves/needles of your Christmas tree, keep an eye out for loss of appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea with or without blood. Contact your veterinarian if you notice these symptoms.

The decorations on your Christmas tree can also be a hazard to pets. Broken glass, small ornaments, and tinsel can cause intestinal disorders in pets. Take care to place tree ornaments and decorations out of reach of your cats and dogs.

Poinsettias

• Other names: Euphorbia, Christmas flower
• Potential toxicity: mild to none
• Animals affected: dogs and cats
• Symptoms: drooling, vomiting

Poinsettia plants are popular during the holidays for their bright red leaves. While it is commonly touted as a toxic plant, poinsettias are only mildly toxic to dogs and cats.

All parts of the poinsettia plant can be mildly irritating to the mouth and stomach. So pets who ingest a significant amount of poinsettia plant parts may experience some drooling or vomiting.

The illness is self-limiting and should go away on its own within a few hours. Provide access to fresh water, and rinse the mouth if needed. Poinsettia ingestion usually does not require a trip to the veterinarian.

If you love growing poinsettias for the holidays, check out these tips to keep your plants healthy!

Holly

• Other names: American holly, Inkberry, Winterberry, Christmas holly
• Potential toxicity: mild to moderate
• Animals affected: dogs and cats
• Symptoms: drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, depression

It’s hard to imagine wanting to chew on a spiny holly leaf, isn’t it? But pets have done stranger things! Both the leaves and berries of this plant are toxic to pets. They can also be very irritating to the oral mucosa and the lining of the intestinal tract.

Treatment is aimed at alleviating the symptoms. Blood in the vomit or stool warrants a visit to the vet.

• Other animals affected: horses. Goats and chickens can become ill if they eat the berries.

Hellebore

• Other names: Christmas rose, Lenten rose, Easter rose
• Potential toxicity: mild to moderate
• Animals affected: dogs, cats
• Symptoms: drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, and lethargy

All parts of this lovely plant are toxic. Although uncommon, extreme cases may require veterinary intervention.

If your pet has eaten some of the hellebore plant and is exhibiting symptoms of vomiting and diarrhea, you should contact your veterinarian for medical advice.

• Other animals affected: horses

Note that this is not the same thing as ‘False Hellebore’ which can cause severe toxicity in livestock. Here is some information about the toxicity of false hellebore.

Amaryllis

• Other names: Many. Belladonna lily, Pink Lady, Naked Lady, Fire lily,
• Potential toxicity: mild to moderate
• Animals affected: dogs and cats
• Symptoms: Abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, drooling, tremors

The most toxic part of the Amaryllis plant is the bulb which can cause vomiting and diarrhea. Less common symptoms include low blood pressure, lethargy, and tremors.

Symptoms are usually self-limiting, however, supportive care may be required if the vomiting and diarrhea are severe.

• Other animals affected: horses, goats

Cyclamen

• Other names: Sowbread
• Potential toxicity: mild to severe
• Animals affected: dogs and cats
• Symptoms: drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea.  Heart arrhythmias, seizures, and death are possible if the tubers are eaten.

Cyclamen are lovely flowering plants that can be found in festive red and green colors. The leaves and flowers of this plant will cause mild to moderate GI upset in cats and dogs. However, if a large amount of the tubers (bulbous root segments) are ingested, cats and dogs can experience heart arrhythmias, seizures, and death.

If you suspect your pet has ingested the tubers of this plant, then you should call your veterinarian right away. For mild vomiting or diarrhea, you may be able to monitor your pet at home.

• Other animals affected: horses

English Ivy

• Other names: Branching Ivy, California Ivy, many others
• Potential toxicity: moderate to severe
• Animals affected: dogs and cats
• Symptoms: drooling, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea

Commonly grown for its evergreen foliage, this houseplant can cause significant gastrointestinal upset. The leaves are the most toxic portion of the plant, but secretions from cut portions of the plant can also cause a painful dermatitis. Less commonly, pets may experience excitement or convulsions.

Treatment for ingestion of ivy is aimed at alleviating the symptoms. Rarely, ivy can cause severe illness that requires hospitalization.

• Other animals affected: horses, goats, cows, chickens

Mistletoe

• Other names: American mistletoe, European mistletoe
• Potential toxicity: moderate to severe
• Animals affected: dogs and cats
• Symptoms: vomiting and diarrhea, difficulty breathing, stumbling, seizures, potentially lethal

The American mistletoe is said to be less toxic than the European variety. However, all mistletoe has the potential to cause disease. All parts of the mistletoe plant are toxic to pets, but the berries are more likely to cause severe symptoms. Symptoms of toxicity from mistletoe may occur several hours after ingestion of the plant.

Because the symptoms of mistletoe toxicity can be severe, you should always seek veterinary care if you think your pet has eaten this plant. Your vet may recommend to induce vomiting and administer charcoal. Your pet may also need to be hospitalized overnight if inducing vomiting is not an option and/or symptoms of toxicity are present.

• Other animals affected: horses

Jerusalem Cherry

• Other names: Winter cherry, Natal cherry
• Potential toxicity: moderate to severe
• Animals affected: dogs and cats
• Symptoms: vomiting and diarrhea possibly with blood, seizures, difficulty breathing, shock

All parts of the Jerusalem cherry plant are toxic. The berries look like little cherry tomatoes, but they are the most toxic part of the plant. If you think your pet has eaten some of your Jerusalem cherry plant, you should contact your veterinarian right away. Supportive therapy and hospitalization may be required.

• Other animal affected: horses, goats, cows, chickens

Narcissus

• Other names: daffodils, paperwhites
• Potential toxicity: moderate to severe
• Animals affected: dogs and cats
• Symptoms: drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, rarely seizures and death

While the entire Narcissus plant is toxic to pets, ingestion of the bulbs will cause the most severe symptoms. Drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea are the most common symptoms, however, it is possible for pets to develop seizures, shock, and death.

If your pet has eaten some of your Narcissus plant, you should seek veterinary care. Induction of vomiting and administration of charcoal may be recommended.

Other animals affected: horses, cows, goats, pigs

Lilies

• Other names: many. All types of lilies are toxic to cats
• Potential toxicity: severe, possibly fatal
• Animals affected: cats
• Symptoms: vomiting, decreased appetite, kidney failure

Lilies are beautiful flowers and often have a strong pleasant scent. However, lilies can be extremely dangerous in households with cats. All parts of a lily plant are toxic to cats. If you think your cat may have eaten some of your lily plant, get to your veterinarian right away. With immediate intervention, we can sometimes correct the kidney disease.

Note that only lilies of the Lilium species are toxic. Canna lilies are not toxic to cats or dogs.

• Other animals affected: none.

Yew

• Other names: European yew, Common yew
• Potential toxicity: severe and fatal
• Animals affected: dogs and cats
• Symptoms: vomiting, diarrhea, stumbling, gasping for air, sudden death

Yew is the most toxic of all the plants on this list. Both the leaves and the berries can cause a fatal toxicity. All mammals are susceptible to this lethal plant. Sometimes death comes so quickly that there are no other symptoms. Use extreme caution with this plant in households with children and pets.

• Other animals affected: Cows, horses, goats, sheep, pigs, chickens

Tips for keeping pets safe from toxic houseplants:

• Keep all potentially toxic plants off the floor and tables. Pick up any leaves or berries that fall onto the floor right away.
• You can also hang your plants from hooks in the ceiling or plant stands.
• Discourage your pets from chewing on the leaves of all of your houseplants. Use a water spray gun to startle them when you catch them taking a nibble.

Although I am a veterinarian, I am not your veterinarian.

Your pet’s doctor is the best source to help you determine if your pet needs an examination. Never hesitate to call and ask your veterinarian if you have questions about your pet’s health. That is why we are there.

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