Block · one region of the page, as the scanner read it. It may hold a whole story, part of one, several, or an advertisement; stitching blocks into articles is the next step. Text is supplied OCR.
Page 15 · column 5 of 6 · from the scan, no model involved
BLACKSBURG —Very few people who have small animal pets are unaware that this is flea season.
Kent Roberts, Extension veterinarian with the VirginiaMaryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine at Virginia Tech, said because the flea’s life cycle includes meals of blood, life for cats and dogs can be very unpleasant. And, with severe infestations, pet owners will feel the bite too.
It is the bite of the flea that cause pets so much discomfort, as well as the common fleabite allergies that can result in skin inflammation, hair loss and chronic skin problems.
Dr. Roberts reminded pet owners that treating the animal for fleas is only part of a successful control problem.
“The pet’s environment is equally important,” Dr. Roberts said, “since fleas spend only part of their time on the animal. The rest of the time is spent in carpets, under furniture and in floor cracks, baseboards and outdoors.”
He noted there is a staggering number of products available for flea control, with no one product being superior to another. “Perseverance and regular treatment are just as important as the choice of product,” he said.
Dr. Roberts listed several guidelines to remember when attacking a flea problem. They are:
• Always read and follow the directions on the product label. These chemicals can be dangerous to you and your pet if improperly used.
• Products recommended for dogs are not always safe for cats, and products recommended for dogs and cats are not always safe for puppies and kittens.
96.3%