Puget Sound area veterinarians reporting fall flea explosion

If it seems like your dog or cat is suddenly scratching a lot more, don’t be surprised. Puget Sound area veterinarians say they’re seeing an explosion of fleas this fall.

“We normally see an increase this time anyway, as the flea population tends to peak late summer into fall, but this year is particularly bad,” says Dr. Brad Crauer, chief medical officer with Seattle Humane Society.

Crauer says our mild winter and warm, dry summer have allowed fleas to flourish.

“It allows more flea cycles, more reproductive cycles to be in place,” he says.

And the fleas know winter is coming.

“They’re wanting to hitch a ride on dogs and cats and the real problem is going to be if those fleas get established in a home. Now you’ve got a resident population in your home, not just on your animals.”

Crauer says it’s important pet owners treat their dogs or cats with a once-a-month topical or oral medication to kill the fleas

“What they’re going to do is they’re going to kill those fleas when they hop on the pet and so those fleas aren’t going to make it inside,” he says.

But what do you do if it’s too late? Crauer says once they’ve set up shop, it’s time to bring in the big guns.

“There are a number of both chemical and non-chemical options, whether you’re calling a company like Orkin or using a product like Fleabusters, which is a sodium borate powder. It’s really quite safe.”

Unfortunately, there’s virtually no way to guarantee fleas won’t get on your animals or get inside, even if they are indoor-only. The little suckers can easily hitch a ride on clothes, in purses, or backpacks.

You can usually tell you’ve got a flea problem simply by seeing your dog or cat scratch. But not all do. Crauer says a fine-toothed flea comb will reveal either live fleas or flea “dirt”, letting you know they’re on the attack.

But if you take a few steps now, Crauer says you can avoid a full-scale assault before it’s too late.

“When I was talking to a couple of veterinarians in the area, really the dogs and cats that they’re seeing with increased flea loads are the ones that haven’t been on preventatives,” he says. “Until you actually have a flea problem, you don’t recognize the importance of prevention.”