Top 10 Flea Myths
Myth 1 : A few fleas are no big deal.
Reality: You’ve heard the expression “breeding like rabbits?” Well, rabbits have nothing on fleas – a few fleas can turn into a massive infestation in a hurry. And if your pet is sensitive to flea antigen, even one or more bites can make him very uncomfortable. Your pet deserves to be completely free of fleas.
Myth 2: 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 fall can extend the flea season to nine to 10 months of the year. Plus, fleas can survive on your pet inside anywhere! Year-round flea control is best for your pet.
Myth 3: 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 meant 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, she can pick up fleas at any time, so its a good idea to protest her.
Myth 4: I can get good flea products at the pet store.
Reality: Over-the-counter flea control products are not as protent and therefore not as effective as the prescription products you can get from your veterinarian. Some are even toxic, especially if administered incorrectly. Your pet’s doctor can prescribe the best product for your pet and his lifestyle (does he swim? hunt rodents?) and show you exactly how to apply it.
Myth 5: 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 the flea product after the fleas go away. But you need to provide continuous control for this reason: Pets can become ultra sensitive to fleas if they’re intermittently exposed. If you notive fleas, treat them, and three months later they come back and you treat them again, your pet is more likey to develop flea allergy dermatitis – a condition that causes itchiness, lesions, and hair loss. Don’t let the fleas come back at all, and your pet is at much lower risk for flea allergy.
Myth 6: I only need to treat my one flea-ridden pet, not the ther pets in my household.
Reality: All of the pets in your household need to be treated – especially the cats (fleas’ favorite host) and even the guinea pig. Some pets are more sensitive to fleas than others, so if you only treat the pet that’s scratching and has fleas, she’s likely to be reinfested by other pets in the house that also have fleas but aren’t giving you any itchy signals.
Myth 7: 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 prevenitive 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 mailed to you.
Myth 8: My pets stay in the back yard, so he won’t pick up fleas.
Reality: Your yard is constantly being visited by wildlife such as racoons and opossums, as well as other neighborhood pets (cats are notorius roamers.) These animals can spread fleas and flea eggs, which can infest your pet when he goes outside.
Myth 9: All flea preventives protect pets from fleas only.
Reality: Flea products are often combined with agents that control other parasites as well, helping protect yours pets from addtional diseases – some of which can be transmitted to you. So keeping pets on flea control is best for the whole family.
Myth 10: Flea products are toxic.
Reality: Unlike “natural” products, prescription flea control agents have been extensively tested and appoved by the FDA. Your veterinarian and the members of his hospital team use these products on their own pets, and they can answer any quesitons you have about safety.