Fleas

HOW DO I GET RID OF FLEAS?

Every pet owner knows that fleas are small insects that can bite their pet and cause itching. Fleas can also transmit diseases, such as Bartonella, and parasites, such as tape worms. In south-east Virginia fleas are a year round problem. Even strictly indoor pets are at risk. It only takes one female flea to hitch a ride inside to create a household infestation. For every flea on your pet there are about one hundred in the home. The Birdneck Animal Hospital staff recommends year round use of preventative medications, preferably those with a flea repellant action.

How do I get rid of fleas on my pet?
Apply the topical preventative you purchased at Birdneck Animal Hospital once every thirty days, all year- round. Make sure the liquid is applied to the skin and not the top of the hair. Remove any collars, harnesses or other “clothing” prior to the application.

Can I use the same product on both my cat and dog?
CAUTION! Many of the products that are very safe for use on dogs are very toxic to cats and must not be applied to cats. Ask us for a safe recommendation for your cat.

How quickly will the fleas die?
These topical flea treatments begin to kill fleas very quickly. Vectra 3D for example (a dog only product) will reduce flea feeding five minutes after application and kills fleas in 6 hours. Don’t bathe your pet just before or just after applying these products. Most of them are water proof, so they won’t wash off once they have had a chance to spread around the body. Follow the rule: Apply to dry skin and don’t bathe when the product still appears wet. Bathing after all the fleas have been killed will help get rid of the dead fleas and flea eggs that remain in your pet’s coat. If you are unable to bathe your pet, schedule a bath at Birdneck Animal Hospital.

My pet has fleas, so there are fleas in my house. How do I treat my home for fleas?
The household flea spray you purchased at Birdneck Animal Hospital is very effective. It will kill the flea eggs, larvae (maggot stage) and the adults. None of the sprays will kill the pupa stage. The pupae are inside a cocoon that protects them from the household spray. Therefore, you should first vacuum the home very aggressively. The vibration from the vacuum stimulates the pupae to emerge into the adult stage, so they become exposed to the spray. Clean any bedding the pet may lay on. Put your pet in one room of the house. Then spray all the floor surfaces of the other rooms with the household flea spray. Allow one to two hours for the spray to dry before letting your pet out of the room. Then treat the one remaining room. Vacuum your home aggressively at least every other day for two weeks.

Remember to apply a preventative recommended by your veterinarian every thirty days year round. At Birdneck Animal Hospital, we recommend a product with a repellant action that kills both fleas and ticks on dogs, such as Vectra 3D. For cats, we recommend Revolution, as it also prevents heartworm disease and controls some of the intestinal parasites.


Virginia Beach Veterinarian | Birdneck Animal Hospital
508 North Birdneck Rd Suite C
Virginia Beach, VA 23451
Phone: (757) 355-5694

Location

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Monday:

8:30 am-8:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:30 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:30 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

8:30 am-1:00 pm

Friday:

8:30 am-5:00 pm

Saturday:

8:45 am-2:00 pm

Sunday:

Closed

Testimonials

Feedback from our clients

  • "Words can not begin to express our gratitude for the care you had given Hunter over the years. When his time came, he watched for you to come through the door and his tail showed his affection towards you. That was most comforting having you there. Thank you.""
    ~R.H
  • ""Thank you so much for taking care of Maggie over the years. Y'all are the best and Dr. Johnson, you are the best vet in the world! God bless you all.""
    ~ J.D.
  • ""Your care for my beloved Mattie these last 10n years made her life, and mine much better….God bless each of you for all you did for us and I'm sure for all your other two and four legged patients.""
    ~E.D.
  • ""Thank you for saving my life." ~T.C."
    ~T.C.
  • ""I can not express how grateful I am for you and your staff… I appreciate everything you did in Beckham's treatment. He was so lucky to have such a wonderful doctor on his side. Thank you for all you do for the benefit of all our beloved pets.""
    ~L.B.
  • ""Dr. Johnson - There are no words that can truly capture your kindness.""
    ~G.B.
  • ""Thank you for the great care you took of Taco and the rest of our family. He is doing great now! He is enjoying running and playing with all four legs again.""
    ~W.C
  • ""People who avail themselves of your services at the clinic certainly are blessed to have such a caring staff....bless you and your devoted staff.""
    ~E.D.
  • ""A sincere thank you for taking such good care of Dulce. We are so thrilled that she is back to her normal self. You gave her the support and care she needed in her darkest hours and kept us confident in her recovery.""
  • ""Just to say how much we appreciate all of you. You all are wonderful people. We feel blessed to have our beloved furry children in your care when they need it. Your professional knowledge and your acts of kindness have a beautiful act all it's own. You are a great vet, compassionate and everything good all in one. You are in our daily prayers.""
    ~T.F.
  • ""Thank you and all of your staff for the excellent care you gave to my wonderful Abbey, who was so much a part of the family. Thank you for all the advice and support you gave to me these last few months. I don't know how I would have gotten through this without your constant support. I will, and I have highly recommended you to family and friends, as I feel you are the best!""
    ~P.B.
  • ""Thank you for taking care of my kitty, Slingshot. He is feeling better and better. My Paw-Paw said that you took extra special care of him and I really appreciate it. So, thank you again for taking care of my cat.""
    ~T.B. (age 6)
  • ""Dr. Johnson, I don't know why you decided to move here from your home in New Jersey, but I absolutely believe it was so you could help me and Mickey. I know coming to someone's home is not what a typical veterinarian would do, but you are obviously an extraordinary man in a world filled with ordinary men….On top of that, your sensitive and wonderful handwritten note arrived and touched my heart…You are one of those quiet, unheralded champions who make life easier for everyone you touch.""
    ~C.W.
  • ""Thank you so much for taking care of Lola when she had her reaction, and your office was already closed. I know you took time away from yourself and your family and I really appreciate it.""
    ~R.M.
  • ""Thank you for giving me more time with my best friend. We are all so grateful.""
    ~A.M.
  • ""Thank you for all of your support for Maxine during her illness. All was very much appreciated and will always be remembered. I have related to all my friends of what a great doctor and staff at Birdneck Animal Hospital.""
    ~O.B.
  • ""Thank you for taking such good care of me over the last 4 years. I am doing well and both legs and feet feel great. You sis an awesome job on me Dr. Johnson, and I'm gonna have a great year this year and I hope to see you only for my check up. You guys are the best!""
    ~Budkus
  • "We can't thank you enough for the wonderful and loving care you gave to"Budkus" while he was in your care. He was so little and so sick and we were so scared for him. Each and every one of the staff members made us feel like we had the only dog in the world. Like nothing else mattered except getting "Budkus" well again. Our deepest gratitude to all of you for the excellent care and attention we received, for your encouragement, comfort, and understanding, and most importantly for saving his life! Thank you so much.""
    ~ J.,B.,C.