Think you know about fleas and their impact on your pet? Read these common myths to test your knowledge
1. Myth: A few fleas are no big deal.
Reality: A few fleas can turn into a massive infestation in a hurry. And if your pet is sensitive to flea antigen, even one or two bites can make them very uncomfortable. Your pet deserves to be completely free of fleas.
2. Myth: Pets need flea preventive only a
few months out of the year.
Reality: In many warm, humid areas, fleas thrive year round. Even in more seasonal climates, a warm spring or autumn can extend the flea season to nine or 10 months of the year. Plus, fleas can survive on your pet and inside!
Year-round flea control is best.
3. Myth: I’ve never seen a flea on my
pet, so she doesn’t need flea control.
Reality: You may be in flea denial. 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 their waste, so ask her to do this if she hasn’t already. Even if your pet’s clean, they can pick up fleas at any time, so it’s a good idea to protect them.
4. Myth: I can get good flea products at
the pet store.
Reality: Over-the-counter flea control products are not as potent and therefore not as effective as the prescription products you can get from your veterinarian. Some are even toxic, especially if administered incorrectly. Your vet can prescribe the best product for your pet’s lifestyle (does he swim? hunt rodents?) and show you exactly how to apply it.
5. Myth: Once I treat my pet and the
fleas go away, my work is done.
Reality: One of the biggest mistakes pet owners make is to stop giving a flea product after the fleas go away. Pets can become ultrasensitive to fleas if they’re intermittently exposed. In other words, if you notice fleas, treat them, and three months later they come back, and then you treat them again and three months later they come back again, your pet is more likely to develop flea allergy dermatitis—a miserable condition that causes itchiness, lesions, and hair loss. Don’t let the fleas come back at all, and your pet is at a much lower risk for flea allergy
6. Myth: I only need to treat my one flea ridden pet, not the other pets in my household.
Reality: All pets in your household need to be treated—
especially the cats (fleas’ favourite host), and even the
guinea pig. Some pets are more sensitive to fleas than
others, so if you treat only the pet that’s scratching, she’s
likely to be reinfested by other pets that also have fleas but
aren’t giving you any itchy signals.
7. Myth: I can’t afford to give a flea
preventive monthly.
Reality: Can you afford to change the oil in your car to
keep it running smoothly and help cut down on expensive
repairs? Providing preventive health measures for your pet
is the same approach. Compared to the stress and cost of
treating flea-related illnesses—and possibly paying
someone to decontaminate your home— monthly control
is a low-cost alternative. If you can’t afford to pay for a
year’s worth at a time, ask your veterinarian about setting
up a realistic program, such as having a three-month
supply.
8. Myth: My pet stays in the back yard,
so he won’t pick up fleas.
Reality: Your yard is constantly being visited by wildlife
such as possums, as well as other neighbourhood pets
(cats are notorious roamers). These animals can spread
fleas and flea eggs, which can infest your pet when he
goes outside.
9. Myth: All flea preventives protect pets
from fleas only.
Reality: Flea products are often combined with agents that
control other parasites as well, helping protect your pets
from additional diseases—some of which can be
transmitted to you. So keeping pets on flea control is best
for the whole family.
10. Myth: Flea products are toxic.
Reality: Unlike “natural” products, prescription flea control
agents have been extensively tested and approved by the
FDA. Your veterinarian and the members of her hospital
team use these products on their own pets, and they can
answer any questions you have about safety
