ODA Summer Heat Primetime for Fleas

Now that we are officially in summer, the Oregon Department of Agriculture is warning to be on the lookout for fleas.  Pet owners may resort to using specific products to effectively control fleas.  ODA’s Rose Kachadoorian said consumers need to remember those products are pesticides and need to be handled properly.

“Keep checking your animal, vacuum a lot, launder the bedding. If you need to use a flea control product, use that but do that in conjunction with all of these other practices. And definitely work with your veterinarian on product selection.”

Kachadoorian added there are a number of effective adult flea control products on the market, including spot-on topical products.

“These products really work well. They are so much more effective than what we used to do, which is putting a dust or spraying the animal or doing a flea bath.”

Because these products are pesticides, reading the label carefully and following directions is very important.  In some cases, a flea control product to be used on dogs only has been used on cats with tragic results.  Again, consulting with your veterinarian is a great way to find the best product possible for your pet.

If you have a story idea for the Washington Ag Network, call (590) 547-1618, or e-mail gvaagen@cherrycreekradio.com