擺脫跳蚤的最終指南

跳蚤叮咬會給寵物和人帶來嚴重的皮膚刺激，因此，在植根於寵物的皮毛之前，嘗試消除任何侵擾很重要。

People usually associate warmer weather with an increase in pesky fleas, but they can be around all year round, an expert has explained.

一位專家解釋說，人們通常會將溫暖的天氣與討厭的跳蚤相關聯，但它們可以全年左右。

Flea bites can cause serious skin irritation to both pets and people, so it is important to try and eliminate any infestations before they take root in your pets’ fur.

跳蚤叮咬會給寵物和人帶來嚴重的皮膚刺激，因此，在植根於寵物的皮毛之前，嘗試消除任何侵擾很重要。

PDSA statistics show many of us don’t think about treating our pets for fleas during the winter, seeing fleas as a “summer problem”.

PDSA統計數據表明，我們許多人不考慮在冬季將跳蚤的寵物視為“夏季問題”。

However, Jamie Walker, an experienced vet and technical services manager at global veterinary pharmaceuticals company, Dechra, explained: “Many owners only see fleas as being ‘a summer thing’ and aren’t treating their pet for them this time of year.

但是，全球獸醫製藥公司經驗豐富的獸醫和技術服務經理傑米·沃克（Jamie Walker）解釋說：“許多所有者只將跳蚤視為'夏季'，而不是每年的這個時候都不為他們的寵物來治療寵物。

“However, with central heating systems typically switched on for a few more weeks, our warm homes become the perfect breeding ground for fleas - their ideal temperature to hatch out is around 21°C.

“但是，隨著中央加熱系統通常會再開幾週，我們的溫暖家園成為跳蚤的理想繁殖地 - 他們孵化的理想溫度約為21°C。

“Flea eggs can be brought into your home on your cat or dog’s coat, and then they can remain undetected for some time.

“跳蚤雞蛋可以用貓或狗的外套帶入您的家中，然後在一段時間內未被發現。

“Fleas can not only make your pet very irritated, but they can also invade your house and make family members feel itchy too.”

“跳蚤不僅可以使您的寵物感到非常惱火，而且還可以入侵您的房子，並使家人也感到癢。”

Here, we take a closer look at everything you need know about fleas.

在這裡，我們仔細研究了您所需的關於跳蚤的一切。

How common are fleas in the UK?

跳蚤在英國有多普遍？

There are 62 species of flea in the UK, the most common being the cat flea or Ctenocephalides felis.

英國有62種跳蚤，最常見的是貓跳蚤或Ctenocephalides felis。

The flea life cycle has four stages: egg, larva, pupa and adult flea. The entire cycle is typically complete in 3-4 weeks, but this can be quicker (12-22 days) if temperatures are ideal.

跳蚤生命週期有四個階段：雞蛋，幼蟲，pupa和成人跳蚤。整個週期通常在3-4週內完成，但是如果溫度是理想的，則可以更快（12-22天）。

Each adult female flea can lay up to 20 eggs per day on your pet’s coat – and these eggs fall off wherever your pet lies.

每個成年雌性跳蚤每天最多可以在寵物的外套上產生20個雞蛋 - 這些雞蛋在您的寵物所在的任何地方都會掉下來。

Flea eggs are almost invisible to the naked eye, while flea larvae are even harder to spot, often hiding in dark and hard-to-reach areas.

跳蚤卵幾乎看不見肉眼，而跳蚤幼蟲甚至更難發現，通常藏在黑暗和難以到達的區域。

Recommended Reading:

推薦閱讀：

Fleas are able to jump long distances and they can easily move between your pets and your home.

跳蚤能夠長距離距離，並且可以在寵物和房屋之間輕鬆移動。

Surprisingly, only around 5% of a flea infestation is made up of adult fleas on your dog or cat’s fur, whereas 95% is in typically your home as eggs, larvae and pupae.

令人驚訝的是，只有大約5％的跳蚤侵擾是由您的狗或貓的皮毛上的成年跳蚤組成的，而95％的人通常是您的家中的雞蛋，幼蟲和pup。

What are the signs of a flea infestation?

跳蚤侵擾的跡像是什麼？

One of the most telling signs of a potential flea infestation is if your pet is regularly scratching, biting, or licking themselves, to try to relieve the discomfort caused by the bites.

潛在的跳蚤侵擾的最有說服力的跡象之一是，如果您的寵物定期抓撓，咬人或舔自己，以緩解叮咬引起的不適。

If you notice them doing this, then this is a big red flag, and you should investigate further.

如果您注意到他們這樣做，那麼這是一個大危險信號，您應該進一步研究。

While fleas can be hard to spot, checking your pet's skin and fur is a good first step.

雖然跳蚤很難發現，但檢查寵物的皮膚和皮毛是一個很好的第一步。

What health issues can fleas cause?

跳蚤會導致哪些健康問題？

When fleas bite, they suck out blood and inject saliva into the bloodstream, which is what causes the most common symptom – itchy skin.

跳蚤咬時，它們會吸血並註入唾液中，這是導致最常見症狀的原因 - 皮膚發癢。

In some animals this can become so intense that they end up with skin infections, hair loss and scabs and sores. 

在某些動物中，這可能會變得如此強烈，以至於它們最終會受到皮膚感染，脫髮，結ab和瘡的影響。

In severe cases, smaller animals such as kittens or puppies, can even die from anaemia due to the blood loss caused by the fleas feeding.

在嚴重的情況下，較小的動物，例如小貓或幼犬，甚至由於跳蚤餵養引起的失血而死於貧血。

Fleas can also transmit worm eggs to pets, causing them to have upset tummies and weight loss.

跳蚤還可以將蠕蟲卵傳遞給寵物，導致它們沮喪的肚子和體重減輕。

How can you treat fleas?

你怎麼能治療跳蚤？

The most effective way to control flea infestations is to treat your pet directly all year round with a vet-approved product. Prevention is always better than cure.

控制跳蚤侵擾的最有效方法是通過獸醫批准的產品全年直接治療您的寵物。預防總是比治愈更好。

If you do discover you have a flea problem, it is important to treat both your cat or dog AND your home.

如果您確實發現自己有一個跳蚤問題，那麼對待貓或狗和家很重要。

Everything your dog or cat comes into contact with in your home (and car if applicable) should be treated; otherwise, it is inevitable that the fleas will come back.

您的狗或貓在您的家中（如果適用的話）接觸的一切都應得到處理；否則，跳蚤將不可避免地回來。