Flea Season is Back!

www.lapetsitting.com

Have you ever noticed your cat or dog incessantly licking at his or her fur day and night? There could be several explanations. Pay attention to get to the root of the problem since your pet could end up with an unsightly coat full of patches and you could end up cleaning up more hairballs than ever.

One cause could simply be boredom. A good test to determine if your cat or dog just isn’t getting enough attention is to try distracting him/her during a vigorous grooming session. If your pet ignores his favorite toy or treat and keeps on licking, then it may be a medical problem. If the grooming stops when offered a distraction, try working more pet playtime and exercise into your schedule and try giving more frequent brushing…a great bonding activity! The extra attention can also help to ease stress-related grooming brought on by moving or adding a new family member…pet or human…to the household.

If your pet ignores your attempts at distraction and continues furiously grooming, allergies or another medical condition may be the cause. Excessive grooming is a common symptom of flea allergies, which can be remedied by a bath and flea treatment. I’ve found it can take some time for the grooming to lessen even after these steps have been taken, and herbal calming shampoos and sprays can help to expedite recovery and soothe your pet in the meantime. Just one flea bite can cause this type of allergic reaction, so prevention is always best. If the problem persists, see a veterinarian to check for mites, dry skin, fungus, or a medical problem.

PAWS/LA does not endorse nor take responsibility for accuracy of the facts and/or statements above.

You can listen to this post too!