Our Emergency Vet Hospital Treats Flea Infestations

Did you ever think that one day you might have to take your pet to an emergency vet hospital because of a flea infestation? Although there are presently many products on the market intended for preventing fleas, the simple act of using them is in some cases not enough. When these products don't help, a consultation at our Raritan emergency vet hospital becomes necessary to provide relief.

Our Raritan Animal Hospital, AnimERge, offers veterinary emergency care for your pet 24 hours per day, 365 days per year. From drawing blood to diagnosing tapeworm coming from the fleas, we are available to assist in helping your pet feel better quickly. To avert an emergency, what should a pet owner look for to catch the flea problem before it grows? When your pet is suffering an infestation, they will exhibit certain characteristics that demonstrate it is time to help him or her out of the predicament.

First and foremost is the itching factor. As a pet endures the fleas, he or she will incessantly scratch to provide relief. This scratching leads to red inflamed lumps, legions on the pet's skin or even ulcers. An infestation that is serious includes all of these symptoms and is known as a flea allergy or dermatitis. And, when it is discovered that a flea allergy is plaguing your pet, it becomes imperative to prevent anything worse from happening. Other symptoms include anemia, especially in puppies; and the presence of little specks of dirt called flea feces, or "flea dirt," within your pet's coat.

What Steps Can Be Taken for Flea Prevention?

In order to successfully participate in flea prevention and prevent a possible journey to a vet hospital, what must a pet owner do? There are different key ways to take care of the issue. Once your pet has been treated with a flea bath, flea collar or once-per-month topical solution, the process of cleaning begins. Vacuuming your home thoroughly, washing or replacing pet bedding and sweeping once per day will all work in preventing a flea infestation.

If your pet has a severe flea infestation, please seek veterinary care immediately. In addition to providing helpful prevention information, our pet hospital is available to handle any and all pet emergencies.

Has your pet suffered a flea infestation? How did you eradicate the fleas and prevent the fleas from returning? Share your tips for other owner here.