2410 N. Highway 53
La Grange, KY 40031
GET DIRECTIONS »
Mon: 7:30am-6:00pm
Tue: 7:30am- 6:00pm
Wed: 8:00am- 12:00pm
Thu: 7:30am- 6:00pm
Fri: 7:30am- 6:00pm
Sat: 7:30am- 1:00pm

Countryside Animal Hospital

2410 N. Highway 53
La Grange, KY 40031
GET DIRECTIONS »

Office Hours

Mon: 7:30am-6:00pm
Tue: 7:30am- 6:00pm
Wed: 8:00am- 12:00pm
Thu: 7:30am- 6:00pm
Fri: 7:30am- 6:00pm
Sat: 7:30am- 1:00pm

Call Now!

502-222-4663

- Now accepting new patients
- Same day appointments
La Grange KY Veterinarian Flea Resolution

Flea Resolution

Every parent to a furry pet knows how much of a nuisance fleas can be. At best your pets become itchy and skittish, at worst they become miserable and lethargic. And just like ticks, fleas can be a vector for disease for your pets, or even for you! Fleas can be partly responsible for roundworms or flatworms, and can be responsible for infections including typhus, spotted fever, cat-scratch fever, or more rarely, the plague.

So what can we do? The best first step is prevention, but if that fails, there are ways to spot the beginnings of a flea infestation as well as ways to stop it in its tracks.

Preventing an infestation

Stop an infestation before it can start! When winter turns to spring and the weather starts to get warm, don’t wait until you can notice fleas on your pets or their playmates. You’ll have a much happier home if you follow these easy steps:

  • Keep your home clean. Vacuum your house regularly, especially if you have deep pile rugs, and make sure your pet’s favorite spaces are regularly cleaned/washed, aired out, and preferably getting plenty of sunlight.
  • Clean yards fend off more than ticks. Keeping a clean yard, including mowed lawns and trimmed foliage, will drastically reduce the potential population of fleas in your outdoors. Keeping any trash, especially foods, carefully sealed for disposal will help keep away other animals that are likely to harbor fleas.
  • Use flea treatments. There’s a number of options for flea treatments available based on the type of pet and their age, including spot-on treatments and flea collars. Always read the instructions carefully to avoid harming your cat instead of helping them. And of course, always feel free to come in and talk to our staff about what treatments are best for your pet.
  • Consider professional pest control. This option isn’t always in a pet owner’s budget, and it should always be considered carefully to ensure the best health for your pets, plants, and fish. This can also help prevent other potentially nasty bugs from biting you and your animals, including mosquitoes.

Catching an infestation early

Sometimes, despite our best efforts, fleas find their way into our homes and onto us and our animals. Maybe it’s because you live in an apartment, and they hitch a ride on your neighbor’s dog. Or perhaps your selected flea treatment didn’t last as long as you expected it to, or wasn’t even affective at all.

No matter the reason, we’ve got a few tips on how to identify a flea infestation as early as possible. The earlier you identify it, the earlier you can get it under control!

  • Comb your pet regularly. You can monitor your pet’s fur for fleas at multiple stages and check their skin for irritations, bite marks, or other signs of fleas, such as eggs or detritus (blackish-red “flea dirt”). You want to pay close attention to favored locations, such as the back of the head and around the ears, the armpits, or the rump. Remember: fleas will jump on and off of you and your pet, so finding signs of fleas is important, even if you do not find fleas themselves.
  • Fleas love to jump, and jump. Fleas are tiny and quick, but they usually appear in groups once the infestation has started. You’ll probably be able to feel them jumping on and off of you, especially your feet and lower legs. Your pet’s skin will probably also “jump,” as they twitch from the movement of fleas (as opposed to being bitten).
  • Keep an eye on your pet’s behavior. Are they scratching more than usual? Are they pulling their fur out? Do they have dermatitis? Are they biting at the same area over and over? These are all potential signs that fleas are present. Note: If this behavior is present but you cannot find any other signs of fleas, bring your pet in to be checked by us. We can ensure there’s not other health problems!
  • White brings fleas to light. Sometimes it can be hard to determine if the evidence you’re finding is of fleas, instead of just plain dirt, especially if your pet spends a lot of time outside. Put down white paper towels when you comb your pet with the flea comb. You can check the detritus that falls off the pet onto the paper towel or is stuck on the comb to see if it’s like dried blood, or if it looks like the earth around your home. Also, if you wear white socks, you’ll be able to see the fleas jumping on and off of you.
  • Fleas don’t just jump on you. In fact, individually they don’t even spend most of their time on you or your pet. Check your pet’s favorite places — the dog bed where they love to flop out, the spot on the overstuffed chair where your cat loves to sun itself, or even the places in the house where they play the most. Fleas will leave behind similar detritus on your surroundings as they do on your pet.
  • Check all of your pets. If one pet is exhibiting signs of fleas, but your other pet’s behavior hasn’t changed and they don’t scratch themselves much, that doesn’t mean the fleas only want to eat one pet. There is a good likelihood you’ll find evidence of fleas on both! The reason is that not all animals are allergic to flea bites.
  • Anemia is a concern. Be sure to keep an eye on your pets during regular care and grooming. Lethargy, weakness, and even pale gums can be signs that they’re anemic, i.e., that a high number of fleas are sucking their blood. Be sure to come see us so we can get your pet well!

Putting an end to the infestation

The fleas have gotten past your defenses and into your home. What now? How do you and your pet stay healthy and put an end to your misery?

Attaining the best results is going to depend on the severity of infestation. After all, just giving your pet a shampoo treatment isn’t going to help if there’s already eggs, larva, and adults living in your carpet. At a certain point, a simple house spray may be enough, or a carpet treatment, or you may need both. Of course, if the infestation is very severe, you may want talk to your vet about the risks and benefits of certain types of solutions.

Sometimes people mistake monitoring tools, like flea traps, with infestation control. Flea traps cannot treat the source of the infestation, be it your pet, your yard, or something else, and they cannot even trap the majority of fleas in your home. They also won’t do anything to prevent new larva from hatching.

The first point of control should be your pet. Even if they aren’t the source of an infestation, this will help mitigate discomfort and health risks. Be sure to talk to us about your options!

  • A once-monthly oral medication will help interfere with the early life stages of new fleas.
  • Spot-on treatment can protect your pet’s entire body and kill adult fleas on contact.
  • You may want to use a flea shampoo, which will only last a couple of weeks but will immediately kill all the fleas on your pet as well as protect your pet over time.
  • In severe situations, a dip, much like a shampoo, may be required. If not used very carefully, dips can be hazardous to both you and your pet.
  • Remember to keep combing your pet; this will let you know if the selected treatment is working as expected. You should also regularly vacuum to prevent flea eggs and larva from settling in, as well as regularly clean bedding etc..
  • However, treating your animal won’t be enough. Treating your home and your yard are important steps to ensuring the fleas are gone for good. This is likely to require a combination of treatments — after all, no one treatment can cover everything. This may require a bit of spending, but it will definitely require patience. Hiring professional exterminators will work as well. They will be trained in what to look for in your yard and home, and have the tools necessary to fully treat your home.
  • Flea bombs sound like the best all around treatment because, like other bug bombs and foggers, it fills up the space of a room. It does require multiple bombs to treat multiple rooms. However, the downside is that it leaves some areas untreated (e.g., inside closets, drawers, or cabinets, or even underneath some kinds of furniture) and leaves a residue that can contaminate food.
  • Anti-flea sprays are available that can be used on carpets and furniture, and some are even multi-use sprays that can be used on your pets. (Always read the instructions! Using one that’s furniture use only on your pet can make them sick!) However, the length of time these sprays last is very brief, meaning you will have to use and buy these products often.
  • Another option is carpet powders which are spread out on the floor, allowed to ‘rest’ like waiting for a flea bomb to completely expend itself, and then are vacuumed up. These are harder to come by, and often are not available in regular stores, but they are long lasting and kill fleas at every life cycle. Unfortunately, you cannot spread it on furniture, and it needs to be vacuumed thoroughly.
  • When it comes to your yard, there are a few natural options that may help, but cannot be guaranteed, including using cedar chips or Pennyroyal herbs as a repellent and spraying nematodes (which do not affect humans or pets) on your yard.
  • Flea insecticides are also available for your yard. Like indoor treatments, you should always read all the instructions and follow them carefully. Remember to protect yourself with gloves and a dust mask. You’ll need to cover the whole yard, so make sure your pets and/or children don’t play in the area until the process is finished.

 

You should never rely on one method to kill fleas, and never only treat one area at a time. This will inevitably provide a small percentage of fleas sanctuary, which in turn will lead to a new infestation.

Schedule your appointment today!

Other Services

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Our pets are a part of our family, and every responsible owner wants to ensure that their pets are in the very best of health. The majority of conditions that animals are susceptible to have…

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Location Info

Building Front La Grange KY Veterinarian
Countryside Animal Hospital
2410 N. Highway 53
La Grange, KY 40031
GET DIRECTIONS »
Office Hours
Mon: 7:30am-6:00pm
Tue: 7:30am- 6:00pm
Wed: 8:00am- 12:00pm
Thu: 7:30am- 6:00pm
Fri: 7:30am- 6:00pm
Sat: 7:30am- 1:00pm

Contact

Call Now!

502-222-4663

Our Team

Reviews

4.7
Based on 425 reviews
James W.
James W.
Dr Rainey and his staff are always courteous and welcoming. Dr Rainey always takes the time to explain the processes when caring for our animals. We... use countryside for pet healthcare, baths, boarding, and teeth cleaning. They are great with all of our dogs!!read more
Rosemary G.
Rosemary G.
Dr. Rainey has correctly diagnosed our cat, Diva, with two different conditions this year alone. He has given Diva the proper treatment and she's... responded very well. We are so fortunate that he is able to be Divas doctor, and the staff there has treated her so well. We won't go anywhere else.read more
L.W. M.
L.W. M.
Dr. Rainey is a gift to animals and the people who are their companions. One of the last of the non-corporate veterinarians, his knowledge and... empathy determine he is one of the best we have worked with as stray/feral cat collectors in our neighborhood.It is a long drive for us to take our cats, but we will gladly make it for his care. His staff are friendly and accommodating, always finding a way to fit us in on short notice.We are blessed to have Dr Rainey and Countryside as our cats healthcare provider.Lem and Maura Masonread more
Joel W.
Joel W.
These guys are by far the best vet I have been to in my 30 years of having pets… they are EXTREMELY accommodating, and very reasonably priced… I... would DEFINITELY recommend them to anyone looking for a vet!!!read more
Christina G
Christina G
We are so thankful to Dr. Rainey and the care his giving to our baby Jasper. We found out he had kidney failure and Dr. Rainey is doing everything so... we can keep him around a little bit longer. He and his team are wonderful and really care about our fur babies! We are thankful for the care he's given both our boys Mr. Lu and Jasper!read more
Larry V.
Larry V.
We took our new Barbet puppy for his first Veterinarian visit this week, which was awesome. The staff was friendly, and Dr. Rainey shared much good... information about puppy health. It has a small-town country feel, and I love that!! I look forward to having them care for my new Barbet, Moses, for a long time. Thanks to everyone at Countryside for making us feel comfortable.read more
Ashley W.
Ashley W.
Bailey loves her new diet! It has stopped her stomach issues and she is thinner and full of life! She eats salmon, green beans and sweet potatoes!!... This makes sense now more than ever with everything I have seen with dogs sharing similar dna to humans.read more
Heather D.
Heather D.
Dr. Rainey saved my kitty Bandit. No other vet has been as caring, attentive or professional and I've taken him to SIX vets in town. Most wouldn't... help him, tried to put him to sleep!!I will never go anywhere else with my fur babies Dr. Rainey is literally the best vet in the greater Louisville area. I'm always in and out on time as well and the prices are very affordable, especially because he accepts Care Credit. Thank you Dr. Rainey and his nice staff. LT Dan Bandit is able to eat and have his life back thanks to you!!!!!read more
P M.
P M.
On vacation and my pup got bit by something, causing a lump and swelling. Office scheduled me quickly (next morning). Vet was kind and gentle with my... little girl. Gave her a shot of cortisone that helped. Office Staff was extremely friendly. Pricing was a bit higher than our usual vet, but much more reasonable than typical animal hospitals @$125. Would definitely go again for treatment if needed.read more
Chaz F.
Chaz F.
The staff at Countryside are so kind and take excellent care of our pets! They truly go above and beyond to make sure our pets are comfortable during... visits and help answer any questions we have.read more
Timothy S.
Timothy S.
Great staff, who were kind, patient and skilled in working with our dog—he gets very anxious during visits to the vet. Doctor took the time to fully... explain all options for treatment and was very up front about costs for all procedures.read more
Sonya G.
Sonya G.
All of my pets receive excellent care at Countryside Animal Hospital. I love having a very experienced vet so I know my pets’ care is in good hands.... I also love the staff who always make me feel very welcomed when I enter with my pets. Their infectious smiles and caring natures make you feel like you are family. I highly recommend this vet for all of your pets’ care and needs!read more
Dona K.
Dona K.
Dr Rainey and staff are wonderful. My dog has had a recurrent ear infection, I have been to numerous vets and for the first time in a few years my... dog is infection free. Thank you Countryside!!!read more
Patricia O.
Patricia O.
Dr. Rainey is wonderful!He is quality over quantity and was very present at our consultation for our dog's health.He explained what he would be... doing, why he had to do it, and how he came to the conclusions.He educated us so that we didn't require blind faith but we understood the what's, the why's, the when's and the how's.He gave clear instructions with a calm bedside manner.I thought the costs were a bit pricey but about the same as any other vet.He didn't try to upsale us on unnecessary things.This visit was thumbs up!A+read more
Melissa M.
Melissa M.
My kitten Martica is my emotional support cat and is very dear to me. He is 11mo. Old. Country side animal hospital has taken care of him for me all... his lil life. Very specific though he has been treated on 2 seperate occasion for illnesses once for a double severe ear infection..Dr. Rainey aka The Magic Man had him feeling better and healed in no time flat and helped us eliminate his allergen. Also more serious he was also treated for aspirations pneumonia w complications from meditation he recieved at blue pearl hospital after hours treatment Dr.Rainey kept him overnight gave him fluids and ran every necessary test gave him shots he could tolerate very well fixed his diet and saved Marticas life. He also provides safe cat treats cat toothpaste and brush and his shampoo right in the office for easy convenience. Magic Man aka Dr. Rainey and his staff..ms. Candy. Ms. Sophia and everyone there are the greatest! I would NEVER take my Martica anywhere but there i learned the hard way..but Dr.Rainey saved the day as always!!read more
Mary Jo D.
Mary Jo D.
My dog is very anxious. The staff did well with him and our visit went better than I expected. Dr. Rainey and the rest of the staff are very kind and... take the time to listen to any concerns.read more
Will F.
Will F.
10/10 would recommend to other pet owners. As a local business owner in La Grange I can appreciate a reliable place where my family and I can take... our pets. Reasonable pricing for our pets needs as well.read more
candice L.
candice L.
We just moved to the area and hadn't established care with a vet yet. My English Bulldog had an urgent need to be seen and I brought her in to... Countryside Animal Hospital. Dr. Rainey was quick to assess that she needed emergent care at a vet hospital and recommended the best facility that could meet her needs quickly. Once released I took her back to help manage the chronic condition she was diagnosed with and couldn't be happier with his expertise! She is now doing well and his recommendations solved an issue that we didn't realize she had for years. I highly recommend Countryside Animal Hospital!read more
mary W.
mary W.
Very reasonable surgical prices, kind compatonate staff. Truly cares about my senior dogs health and wellbeing! Just moved here from out of state... this is for sure my new vet!read more
Barbara G.
Barbara G.
We took our GS in for a second opinion and got more information than ever before. Dr Rainey gave us some herbal supplements along with a pain med... and it had worked wonders on our girl. She’s acting like her playful self again.read more
Carrie M.
Carrie M.
Dr. Rainey and his staff are very caring and knowledgeable. Sophie was always happy to go to her appointments. They took very good care of Sophie and... she had a dental surgery & everything went well the staff is very nice and accommodating and Dr. Rainey is very knowledgeable. Their prices can’t be beat! I highly recommend Dr. Rainey and Countryside animal hospitalread more
Glisseal !
Glisseal !
Very expensive. Nice people but they insist that every dog needs certain things and you know very well none of your previous dogs never needed it.... Location is very convient.read more
Cassandra P.
Cassandra P.
Dr. Rainey and his staff are always so nice and sweet. Very caring and they treat my fur babies like there own. Highly Recommend them. You can't... find any better vet than them. I lost my Companion of 13 years (Snuggles) and they were so supportive and sent there sympathy. ❤️ I truly can't put there practice into words. Absolutely love this Place and all the Staffread more
Brian K.
Brian K.
Our lab was attacked by a pit at Morgan Park. 3" laceration, torn ACL. We went unscheduled to Dr Rainey. They took us right in. He made a rapid... accessment. Printed out details and estimate of what he may have to do. We agreed with his judgement left our lab over nite. Next day Doc calls. "Looks like minor surgery on the wound, pain pills and antibiotic, he should be fine." He was a new dog to us! Not only was Doc Rainey accurate with his diagnosis but he did exactly what he said he would do and charged exactly what he estimated it to be. So refreshing to have such an experienced vet with integrity. Great caring staff as well, thank you! Brian, Val & Lakerread more
Jackie M.
Jackie M.
Our Lab was in such bad shape from allergies that we thought we were going to lose him. Dr. Rainey was wonderful and gave us practical advice to get... his allergies under control. Since then Countryside has worked with us to make sure he is in optimal health, including getting his weight down. Everyone there has been so kind. Countryside really knows animals and their prices are reasonable.read more
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