Pest popping on pets

KETTERING, Ohio (WDTN) - While many of us may be enjoying the warm temperatures there's a pesky pest popping up on pets.   
Veterinarians say fleas are causing a problem earlier than usual.     But there are a few things you can do to protect your pets. 

Normally in Ohio pets are put on a flea control program from spring through fall.  However this winter the fleas eggs are hatching early and pets are feeling the effects.

Cowering under a chair - Pepper is a little shy for today's vet visit.   She may prefer the outdoors but there's another pest who has also been enjoying the mild weather too.   Fleas are taking full advantage of the above average temperatures.

Dr. Allan Schulze a veterinarian with Kettering Animal Hospital says, "These eggs that are wintering over are looking forward to the warm humid weather with the vibration are going to hatch out and jump onto the pets  so with the really mild winter we've been having that's gong to happen more often."

Excessive scratching is just one way to find out if your pet has fleas.  But stopping the spread of the tiny pest needs to start early in its life cycle. 

"Killing the adult flea is probably the smallest percentage of that flea in its life cycle so if we can kill the egg or larva stage and rid them of those we can get rid of the adults all together," explains Dr. Schulze.

Flea dips and bathing aren't as popular anymore.  Oral or other treatments have been more successful. Normally pets would be on a spring through fall flea control program.  But Dr Schulze suggests staying ahead of the game, "In this kind of weather it may be better to just maintain a flea control year around with these once a month treatments or topical or oral treatments."

Flea products and dosage vary do to your animals breed and size.  Before buying a product be sure to consult with your vet.