Flea/Tick Myths & Realities
Management of Fleas and Ticks is vitally important to your pets health which is why we've created a two part "Myths and Realities" concerning Fleas and Ticks...
Myth : Seeing one or two fleas is no big deal.
Reality: A few fleas can turn into a massive infestation in a hurry! One adult flea can lay 2,000 eggs in its lifetime. And if your pet is sensitive to flea saliva, even one or two bites can make them very uncomfortable.
Myth: Pets need flea preventive only a few months out of the year.
Reality: Even in our seasonal climate, a warm spring or fall can lead to a flea season that is nine or ten months of the year. Plus, fleas can survive on your pet and inside anywhere! Flea eggs and larvae can find places to hide and survive in the house. Year-round flea control is best for your pet.
Myth: I've never seen a flea on my pet, so they don'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 their waste. Even if your pet's clean, they can pick up fleas at any time, so it's a good idea to protect your pet all year long.
Myth: I can get good flea products at the Big Box 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.
Myth: I only need to treat one of my pets that is sensitive to fleas, not the other pets in my house.
Reality: All of the pets in your household need to be treated. 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 re-infested. Treating all of the pets in the house keeps the flea life-cycle stopped.
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.
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 raccoons and opossums, as well as other neighborhood pets (cats are notorious roamers). These animals can spread fleas and flea eggs, which can infest your pet when he goes outside.
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.
Myth: Flea products are toxic.
Reality: Products, prescription flea control agents have been extensively tested and approved by the FDA. Veterinarians trust the products and use them on their own pets.
