Helpful tips for best results from Vectra flea control products
Flea Facts:
A pet can have 100 or more adult fleas on it at one time.
Each female flea can produce 20-50 eggs per day.
Flea eggs fall from the pet to the environment where they continuously develop (larvae and cocoons) over 2 to 4 weeks. Flea cocoons can lay dormant for up to 6 months before hatching.
25 fleas on your pet can mean 500 or more immature fleas (eggs, larvae, cocoons) in the environment (pet bedding, carpet, rugs, etc).
Getting the most out of Vectra
Will I continue to see fleas after using Vectra?
Vectra will kill adult fleas quickly; however, immature stages may continue to develop in the environment and new fleas may continuously show up on your pet for 4-6 weeks (or longer) after treatment.
The new fleas are being exposed to Vectra and will die quickly, but remember: replacement fleas could be on the way to your pet.
Your veterinarian can recommend a treatment for the environment that will help reduce the immature flea population and speed up your flea control efforts.
Should I bathe my pet?
Many people want to bathe the pet when they see new fleas.
High-detergent shampoos will strip off the Vectra, leaving the pet unprotected and allowing fleas to begin rapid reproduction.
If you feel bathing is necessary, ask your veterinarian to recommend a low-detergent or non-soap shampoo that will not diminish your flea control efforts.
Dogs that swim or are immersed in water on a daily basis may also have reduced flea control results. It may help to restrict the dog’s swimming activity until the flea population has been reduced. Occasional swimming should not affect results.
What about non-treated animals?
Pets that are not treated with Vectra will be a continual source of fleas in your area.
All dogs and cats on your premises (indoors and outdoors) should be treated to get the best results.
Owners urged to introduce proper dental care in pets early Data from the American Veterinary Dental Society show that 70% of cats and 80% of dogs exhibit signs of dental illness by age 3, which could put them at risk for long-term health conditions affecting critical organs. Owners are advised to introduce pets to daily brushing at a young age and provide them with regular dental checks, among other measures. Stafford County Sun (Va.) (3/2)
Read up before deciding on a rabbit Americans owned 6.2 million pet rabbits in 2007, according to AVMA figures, and the animals' popularity as pets is on the rise in the Year of the Rabbit, but prospective owners should read up the care and feeding of bunnies before making the decision, according to this story. To learn more, read the AVMA brochure on rabbit care. Leavenworth Times (Kan.) (3/2)
