Veterinary tips to treat flea infestation on pets, in house

SHERMAN OAKS, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- More and more pet owners are reporting their animals are infested with fleas. In fact, some veterinarians say they've seen more cases than ever before, and it could be because of California weather.

"It's definitely one of the worst flea seasons I've seen in the eight years that I've been here in this area," said veterinarian Mary Ashley Waikart. Her own dog "Cash" has a "hot spot" she says was caused by a flea bite.

Waikart says the phones are ringing off the hook at the Beverly Oaks Pet Hospital in Sherman Oaks with calls from concerned animal owners.

"Every day we have people call in to say 'My dog's itchy,' or 'My cat's itchy, I don't see fleas but I think that's the problem,' and they come in and it is the problem,'" said Waikart.

Some believe the drought could be playing a role in the uptick of fleas, but Waikart believes it's something else.

"I think humidity is a big factor in the flea larvae, and the eggs hatching into larvae and staying in the environment. I don't think the actual drought is affecting how many fleas are out there," said Waikart. "Again, I think it's more related to where people are buying flea products. More people are trying methods that aren't working, so there's more fleas in the environment, and it's just a snowball effect."

Another factor is wild animals, including squirrels, skunks and coyotes.

"You just have to check your dog when you get home, and make sure they're on a good flea control," said Sherman Oaks resident Lesley Hand.

The best protection for your pets, according to Waikart, is oral flea prevention. The pills, which are ingested by your pets, can keep them flea-free for up to a month.

"I like the orals just because you never have to worry about, Did you give it correctly?" said Waikart.

And don't be fooled if you don't see any fleas on your pets. Waikart says if they're itching and scratching, they've been bitten. And if that's the case, it could be time to clean house.

"The best weapon that you have against flea infestation in your house would be your vacuum cleaner. If you can vacuum like crazy, that doesn't cost you a thing," said Waikart. "Bedding, wash in hot water and then get a really good flea-prevention from your veterinarian, and not online, and not from a pet store, or a drug store, or a grocery store. You spend a couple extra dollars to actually get it from a source that you can trust, and you'll end up saving in the long run, because it's hard to get rid of them once you have them in your house."