Tiny, jumping, blood-hungry fleas are one of the most common external parasites in dogs and cats. Despite growing awareness about the importance of flea control, these five myths persist. Learn more about how to protect your pets from these dangerous parasites.
Why Is Flea Control Important?
Fleas are parasites that feed on a host animal’s blood. They can transmit several diseases and parasites to their hosts—human and animal alike—primarily through bites or by feces (flea dirt) entering wounds.
Each adult flea can lay up to 50 eggs per day, and in the right conditions, these eggs hatch, become larvae, and then grow into new adult fleas in as little as 28 days. As a result, even just a few small fleas can quickly become a very big problem!
Myth #1: I Only Need Flea Control in the Summer
While flea populations peak during warm, humid months (late spring/early summer), these parasites can survive Oregon’s mild winters in protected “microenvironments” like leaf piles, woodpiles, and under porches. Plus, fleas can stay active as long as temperatures stay above freezing! That’s why year-round flea control is an essential part of protecting your pets!
Myth #2: If I Don’t See Fleas, My Pet Doesn’t Have Them
Unfortunately, by the time you see evidence of fleas, your pet likely has dozens (or hundreds!) of blood-hungry passengers. Subtle signs of flea infestation include over-grooming, scratching, or tiny scabs developing, especially around the lower back, neck, and base of the tail. Flea “dirt,” or small black specks of digested blood, is also a sure sign that your pet has fleas.
Myth #3: Bathing My Pet Will Get Rid of Fleas
Some online articles claim that it only takes a bath or two to rid your pet of fleas. These sources say dish soap, baby shampoo, or even flea shampoo will do the trick. And while you may see adult fleas leaping off your pet during a bath, flea eggs and larvae won’t be bothered. As a result, you’ll likely see reinfestation in no time at all. Don’t think of baths as flea control. Instead, think of a bath as a way to help relieve symptoms like itching.
Myth #4: Natural Flea Control Products Work Just As Well As Prescription
Commonly recommended natural flea control solutions include essential oils, garlic, and more. On top of being inconsistently effective, some of these natural products can be dangerous for pets! For example, many essential oils are toxic to cats. If you want to use a natural flea control product, it should always be thoroughly vetted and used in conjunction with a veterinarian-recommended flea preventative.
Myth #5: My Indoor-Only Pet Can’t Get Fleas
Fleas are incredible hitchhikers! Not only can they jump 150 times their height—a whole foot in the air—but they can also go dormant until they find a suitable host. That means an adult flea could easily find its way into your home on your clothes or shoes. Then, they can hide in your carpet or furniture until a suitable host strolls by. Flea control is important for ALL pets, both indoor-only and those who go outside.
Effective Flea Control for Damascus, Oregon!
Misinformation puts your pets at risk. To ensure your flea prevention plan is safe and effective, talk to the team at Pine Point Animal Hospital. As your locally-owned veterinary clinic, we understand the specific ins and outs of protecting your pets year-round.
Our veterinary team can help assess your pet’s risk level and recommend the right products. Plus, we can offer convenient autoship options through our online pharmacy, so your pet’s protection never misses a dose!