The time to begin flea control is before the problem emerges

Chances are, no one will notice the first few fleas their pet brings in this summer. But, within two or three weeks, their home will become something of a flea factory, and their pet undoubtedly will be miserable. Dogs and cats (as well as coyotes, raccoons and possum) are prime targets for one species of flea in particular, the Cat Flea. Once the Cat Flea lands upon its victim, it immediately feeds on its blood and remains there for its entire life - at least two or three months. There tends to be a 2-to-1 ratio of female fleas to males, and within 24 hours of landing on a cat or dog, the female begins laying her eggs - as many as 40 to 50 each day.

The smooth eggs fall off of the dog or cat and stick in grooves of hardwood floors, mats, carpets, beds and more. The eggs hatch into larvae, which thrive in the warm areas, such as carpets. In the following seven to 21 days, the larvae, which feed on flea droppings, spin their cocoons. Within two or three weeks (up to 150 days in colder temperatures), a new flea emerges and lands on the dog or cat, and the cycle begins again.

At the very least, fleas create an annoyance to dogs and cats, who scratch at them. Some pets are better than others at removing the pests, which latch onto their hair follicles. Sometimes, they present more than just an annoyance. When cats and dogs ingest fleas during grooming, they may develop tapeworms. Puppies, kittens or smaller breeds risk developing anemia due to loss of blood. Clearly the time to attack this problem is before it occurs.

How flea products work
Flea products, whether topical or oral, should be administered preventively to dogs and cats as young as seven or eight weeks. Although flea larvae typically die in hot temperatures (e.g., 92 degrees and above), it is common for a surge of fleas to emerge in the autumn. And, if larvae are developing inside, and pet owners turn on the heat or humidifier as the temperature drops, a flea problem may persist through the winter. In fact, fleas are known to live on possum or raccoons through winter months, and new eggs are set to hatch by early spring.

While the medicine works just as effectively to stop the reproduction cycle of fleas that already exist, it may take two or three weeks to exterminate developing larvae and pupae, and pet owners may become frustrated when they do not see immediate results. A product designed to kill adult fleas as well as developing eggs may expedite the process. Generally, flea products begin working to kill fleas within several hours.

Veterinarians should remind their clients to keep their pets on a flea product, even after indoor fleas have fully disappeared. One romp through an area trespassed by an infested possum or raccoon, and a dog or cat easily can bring home another round of fleas.

How to sell
Distributor reps should begin by ensuring their customers have a flea product available at their clinic. Next, they should remind veterinarians to make this product readily available to their clients, as well as educate them on the importance of keeping their pets on a preventive program. By working closely with the manufacturer, reps can supply their customers with tools, such as literature and videos, to keep clients informed on the importance of flea prevention.