Here are some facts and information on fleas and how to deal with them.  Fleas have a life cycle that ranges from egg to adult.  A single adult flea can lay several hundred eggs in their average 6 weeks life span.  These eggs may or may not remain on your pet and some will fall off and continue to develop in the smallest places, including the cracks in the floor. 

A larvae1 then emerges from the egg where it forms a pupae2 and waits for the right temperature and humidity to hatch into an adult flea.  In Wisconsin, this time is generally from May to August.

If you live in a known problem area with fleas, prevention may be the best method.  There are several "monthly" medications on the market.  Some are pills and some are topical solutions placed on a small area of skin.  These medications are then absorbed into your pet's body where it kills adult and immature fleas when they decide to bite.  It is recommended to stick with the name brands since they are more safe and effective.  Be sure to talk with your Veterinarian about choosing the right monthly flea preventive for your pet.

Pets that are allergic to fleas (or more correctly the flea saliva) may not show any signs of fleas since they are so aggressive at cleaning and grooming them away.  If you find your pet over-grooming or scratching to the point that the area is becoming sore and red, you may want to give them an antihistamine like Benadryl.  The typical dose is 1 milligram per pound of body weight, but contact your vet first.  Foods containing Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids are also helpful since they not only moisturize the coat but also reduce itching in some pets.  Your veterinarian can also prescribe a medication to help get the itching under control.

If your pet has picked up fleas, you may want to try a flea shampoo.  There are several on the market - some are a natural formula and contain ingredients like Neem while others contain a pesticide.  In fact, using any high quality pet shampoo will help if you can work up a good lather and let it remain on your pet for 10-15 minutes to drown the fleas.  Be careful though, all shampoos contain a detergent and can dry out the skin, so choose a shampoo formulated with oils and conditioners.  Flea combs can also help remove adult fleas and can be a useful item to have on hand.

Knowledge is the key when coping with fleas.  Talk to your veterinarian,  talk to the breeder or contact a national or local breed club and see what they recommend for your pet and make a the choice that is best for you, your family and your pet.

If you find you have an infestation in in the house,  it's time for more drastic measures.  Vacuum the entire house including furniture and the base boards and throw the vacuum cleaner bag away when you are done and replace it.  Wash your own and your pets bedding weekly in hot water to kill the adult and immature fleas.  There are also sprays and foggers available, but be sure to read the directions carefully.  Flea treatment can also be done in the yard with a variety of products but as always, read the directions.

1. the immature, wingless, and often wormlike feeding form that hatches from the egg of many insects, alters chiefly in size while passing through several molts.

2. an intermediate stage of a metamorphic insect that occurs between the larva and the adult, is usually enclosed in a cocoon or protective covering, and undergoes internal changes by which larval structures are replaced by those typical of the adult.