Many of us have had the unfortunate experience of dealing with fleas at some point in our lives, whether it be with our pets or in our homes. Most people already know that fleas can be a nuisance, but did you know that they can also pose a serious health risk to both humans and animals? In this blog post, we'll discuss some of the dangers that fleas pose and what you can do to protect yourself and your family.

IDENTIFYING FLEAS

To determine whether your pets have fleas, you need to recognize them first. Fleas are small, wingless insects that are known for their ability to jump long distances. They typically are dark brown in color and they can measure between 1/16 and 1/8 of an inch in length. They also have a hard, flat body that is well-suited for moving through animal fur. 

Fleas are parasites that feed on the blood of their host, which is usually a mammal. They're also known for being carriers of disease. In fact, fleas are responsible for spreading a number of diseases to both humans and animals.

WHAT TYPES OF THREATS DO THEY POSE?

There are four main types of diseases that fleas can transmit to your pets: 

• Bartonellosis is a bacterial infection that can be transmitted to both cats and dogs. Symptoms include fever, anemia, and lethargy. If left untreated, bartonellosis can be fatal.
• Tapeworms are parasites that live in the intestines of animals. Animals can contract tapeworms from eating fleas or rodents that carry the parasites. Symptoms in dogs and cats include weight loss, diarrhea, and vomiting. In severe cases, tapeworms can cause an intestinal blockage.
• Typhus is a disease caused by bacteria that is transmitted to animals through flea bites. Symptoms include fever, lethargy, and loss of appetite. Left untreated, typhus can be fatal. 
• Flea allergy dermatitis (FAD) is an allergic reaction to the saliva of fleas. It is the most common disease transmitted by fleas and can affect both dogs and cats. Symptoms include excessive scratching, hair loss, and hot spots.

If you have kittens, puppies, or sickly pets, they can also get anemia since fleas drink a lot of their blood. Anemia can be caused by blood loss from flea bites or from tapeworms stealing nutrients from the intestines. Symptoms of anemia include fatigue, pale gums, and rapid heartbeat.

People can also suffer from allergies to flea bites, which can lead to itching, swelling, and redness at the site of the bite. In extreme cases, people may experience anaphylactic shock, which is a potentially life-threatening reaction to an allergen. 

ARE FLEAS REALLY SEASONAL?

Depending on where you live, you may only have to worry about fleas during certain times of the year. If you live in an area with harsh winters, the cold temperatures will either kill the fleas or force them into dormancy. 

However, this is only a temporary solution, and fleas will become active again when the weather warms up. Fleas can survive in lower temperatures than most people realize, and a sudden warm spell can cause them to come out of hiding in search of a meal.

Those living in warmer climates, like the West Coast, might find themselves dealing with fleas all year round. No matter the weather, it's important to be on the lookout for fleas. They can cause a lot of discomfort for both pets and humans, and they can be difficult to get rid of once they've taken up residence in your home.  As a result, it's important to be vigilant at all times regardless of the season if you want to keep your home free of these pesky insects.

HOW DO YOU REMOVE OF FLEAS FROM YOUR HOME?

These tiny insects can quickly multiply, making it hard to get rid of them once they've infested your home. Traditional methods of flea control, such as sprays and bombs, can be toxic to both pets and humans. 

Luckily, there are a number of natural ways to get rid of fleas. 

• The most effective is to vacuum regularly. This will help to remove any fleas that are already in your home, as well as their eggs and larvae. 
• You should also make sure to wash any pet bedding in hot water, as this will kill any fleas that are present. 
• Finally, it's important to keep your yard clean and free of debris, as this will provide fewer places for fleas to hide. 

HOW DO YOU NATURALLY PROTECT YOUR PETS FROM FLEAS?

One option is to use a flea comb. This can be especially useful if your pet has a small number of fleas. Simply comb through your pet's fur and remove any fleas that you find.

Another way is by giving them Guardian's Choice Pet flea deterrent soft chews. It’s a natural way to get rid of fleas and ticks without harming your pets. The chewable formula is easy to administer, and it's proven effective at getting rid of fleas. 

Plus, GCP soft chews are rich in nutrients that keep your pet healthy. The chews are made with natural ingredients, and they're free of harmful chemicals. As a result, GCP's anti-flea soft chews are a safe and healthy way to get rid of your pet's fleas and help to prevent future infestations. 

As you can see, fleas are more than just a nuisance; they can pose a serious health risk to both humans and animals alike. 

And if you have fleas in your home, it's important to take steps to get rid of them as soon as possible to prevent them from spreading disease. With a little effort, you can get rid of fleas naturally and keep your home and pets healthy.