Title: Manage fleas.
Course: Small Animal Care II (18102-II) > Section: Performing Grooming Functions

Management should include

- describing the relationship between animal health and flea control (e.g., tapeworms, flea allergic dermatitis)
- comparing flea-control products and describing how they work in breaking the life cycle of fleas
- explaining safety issues regarding flea-control products
- checking for fleas visually
- going over the entire body of the animal using a flea comb
- spraying any live fleas found or giving the animal a flea bath, as necessary
- describing the importance of pet owner education regarding flea control
- identifying shampoos that are compatible with current flea and tick treatments and medications
- treating for fleas both inside and outside the premises.

Process/Skill Questions:

- Why are fleas dangerous to animals? To humans?
- Why is it so important for pet owners to be educated about flea control?
- How have flea control products evolved over the past fifty years?
- What issues could arise from bathing an animal already on a flea control preventive with a flea and tick shampoo?
- Why must all indoor and outdoor areas be treated to resolve a flea infestation?
- What are various topical and oral methods of flea control and prevention?