1. Myth: 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 two bites can make him 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 fall can extend the flea season to nine to 10 months of the year. Plus, fleas can survive on your pet and
inside anywhere! Year-round flea control
is best for your pet.
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
that they aren’t there. Our staff can
use a special comb to detect fleas and their waste, so ask us to do this if we
haven’t already. Even if your pet’s
clean, she can pick up fleas at any time, so it’s a good idea to protect her.
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 veterinarians. Some are even toxic,
especially if administered incorrectly.
We can prescribe the best product for your pet and his 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.
One of the reasons you need to provide continuous control is this: 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’ favorite 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 your oil in your car to keep
it running smoothly and help cut down on expensive repairs? Providing preventive health measures for your
pet is that 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 us about purchasing single doses.
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 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.
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!
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