Fleas are the most common skin parasite affecting pets.

Often, it’s easy for an owner to underestimate a problem with fleas until it’s advanced. And once fleas are actually seen, hundreds of eggs may already be present on the pet as well as in the home.

The following are the Top 10 Flea Myths: 

1. Myth: A few fleas are no big deal.

Reality: A few fleas an turn into a massive infestation in a hurry. Also, if your pet is sensitive to flea antigen, or the flea bite, just one or two bites can make him/her very uncomfortable. 

2. Myth: Pets need flea prevention only a few months out of the year

Reality: In many warm areas, fleas thrive year-round. Even in more seasonal climates, a warm spring or fall can extend the flea season to nine or 10 months a year. Year-round flea control is best for your pet. 

3. Myth: I’ve never seen a flea on my pet, so he/she doesn’t need flea control

Reality: Just because you don’t see fleas doesn’t mean they aren’t there. Your veterinarian can use a special comb to detect fleas and flea waste, so as him/her to do this if it hasn’t already been done. 

4. Myth: I can get a good flea product at any pet store.

Reality: Many over-the-counter flea products are not as effective as prescription products you can get from your veterinarian. Some are even toxic, so be careful in your selection. Your veterinarian can chose the product that is best for your pet’s lifestyle, as many preventatives also include tick and heartworm prevention as well. 

5. Myth: Once I treat my pet and the fleas go away, my work is done.

Reality: One of the reasons you need to continue to provide control is because pets can become very susceptible to flea allergy dermatitis, a miserable condition that causes itchiness, infection, and hair loss. This is especially true if the pet is exposed to fleas over and over again. 

6. Myth: I only need to treat my one flea-ridden pet, not any other pets in the household.

Reality: All pets in the home need to be treated, especially cats (a flea’s favorite host). If you’re only treating the pet that is scratching, the other pets most likely already have fleas, they just haven’t started scratching yet. 

7. Myth: I can’t afford to give a monthly flea preventative.

Reality: Compared to the stress and expense of treating flea-related illness, and possibly the cost to decontaminate your home, monthly flea control is a low-cost alternative. 

8. Myth: My pet only stays in the backyard, so he/she won’t pick up fleas.

Reality: Your yard is constantly being visited by wildlife such as raccoons, opossums, rats, coyotes, and even neighborhood pets. These animals can spread fleas and flea eggs into your backyard. 

9. Myth: Flea preventatives protect against fleas only.

Reality: Many flea preventatives these days are combined with other agents that help protect against other parasites as well, some of which are contagious to humans also. 

10. Myth: Flea products are toxic.

Reality: Many flea products have been extensively researched and tested, and some are even FDA and EPA approved. Your veterinarian is best suited to provide the safest flea prevention for your pet. Please call your veterinarian for more information on keeping your pet flea-free this summer!