Getting Fleas Out of Your Senior Dog's Fur and Home!

Scratching and itching dogs make me crazy! We had a dog bring fleas in the house and it took weeks before they were all gone. It is amazing how long it took to kill them off! Of course a flea dip took care of our dog but the ones that got in the house seemed to hang around forever. Since a senior dog could have very sensitive skin, fleas can be a big problem.

On our OldDogPaws flea page it explains why it can be so troublesome to have a flea infestation in your home:

Adult fleas lay all of their eggs (up to 50 per day) on the pet. However, the eggs soon fall off the animal into carpeting, beneath the cushions of furniture, and wherever else the pet rests, sleeps or spends most of its time. This is where homeowners should focus control measures.

After hatching, flea eggs develop into tiny, worm-like larvae. Larvae remain hidden deep in carpet fibers, beneath furniture cushions and in other protected areas. The larvae feed mainly on adult flea feces (dried blood) which accumulates, along with the eggs, in pet resting and activity areas.

Before becoming adult fleas, the larvae transform into pupae within a silk-like cocoon. Pupae remain inside the cocoon for 2 to 4 weeks, sometimes longer. The cocoon is resistant to insecticides and this is why some adult fleas are seen for an extended period, even after the home and pet are treated.

Re-treatment of the home is often necessary or those biting parasites will hang around your home forever. Prevention is the best key to a flea free home.

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