#MiddleburyCT #Cats #Fleas
DEAR PAW’S CORNER: The weather is getting warmer, and that means the flea invasion of my apartment will soon begin. I have two cats, and they suffer mightily through the summer – as do I, with my legs covered in flea bites. I’m in my 70s and can’t give my cats flea baths. How can I get fleas under control? – Jim G. in Acworth, Georgia
DEAR JIM: Yep! As the weather warms, especially in the southern states, the onslaught of fleas begins. Treating your pets for fleas before their eggs begin to hatch is especially important right now.
If you have issues that keep you from beginning flea treatment – whether giving a monthly bath using a pet-safe shampoo, placing a flea collar, or applying a monthly topical flea treatment – please ask for help. There are resources in your community.
Call your area senior center (for you, that’s Cobb County, Georgia: www.cobbcounty.org/senior-services) and explain your dilemma; they can connect you with resources. You can also call your cats’ veterinarian and explain the situation; they can talk with you about solutions – such as getting a trusted friend or family member to help.
Preventing fleas also requires treating or eliminating places where they can hide. Fleas love carpet; they’ll lay eggs in it, beginning the infestation cycle anew. Vacuum carpets weekly. If you have hardwood or laminate floors, run a dust mop as frequently as possible. Take up area rugs and have them cleaned. You may qualify for homemaker services – these invaluable people handle light household chores like vacuuming, trash and laundry.
You have to make your apartment a hostile environment for fleas – one they’ll struggle to live in. To do that, you’ve got to enlist every organization that can help.
A new edition of “Fighting Fleas” is coming, and 10 lucky readers will get a free, signed copy! To enter, email ask@pawscorner.com.
Send your tips, comments or questions to ask@pawscorner.com.
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