How much do you know about fleas? Most people only know they don’t like them and don’t want them! However, if you have a pet in your home you should know the basics about fleas, their lifestyles and how to prevent them infesting your pets and your home.
FICTION: A few fleas are no big deal!
FACT: Rabbits have nothing on fleas when it comes to reproducing. The average adult female flea can lay between 40-50 eggs in a single day! Not only can a few turn into an infestation in no time, even a few fleas biting your dog can cause major discomfort.
FICTION: Our cold harsh winters kill all the fleas
FACT: Flea bodies are specifically designed to be able to withstand harsh conditions. Their hard outer coat means they’re not easily crushed. In addition, their small stature means they can get through hair, feathers, and fur to seek warmth and protection. The perfect place to ride out the winter is on Fido, snuggled up on the couch by the fire!
FICTION: My pet stays in my backyard, he won’t get fleas
FACT: Perhaps unbeknownst to you, your yard is constantly being visited by wildlife. Not to mention the neighbors cat that hops over the fence while hunting or the rabbit that burrows under the fence. These visitors transport fleas and their eggs into your yard.
FICTION: Flea products are toxic
FACT: Unlike some “natural” products, prescription products have undergone extensive testing, have the research to guarantee the product and its safety and have been approved by the FDA. Ask the doctors and staff if they use it on their own pets and you’ll find they do.
FICTION: I only need to treat one flea bag, not all my pets
FACT: While you may discover fleas on only one pet, there may be eggs lurking on your other pets. Fleas are also notorious for jumping ship if a host becomes unsuitable. Therefore, in order to eradicate the flea population, treat all your pets in the household so that no eggs or fleas circus remain!
FICTION: Fleas can’t live at altitude
FACT: Ask any Humane Society or veterinary clinic that is above 4,000ft and they will all answer with a resounding, ‘yes, fleas can and do in fact survive at altitude’! Experience tells us so.
If you would like more information on fleas, their life cycle or need a refill of our recommend flea preventative ‘Frontline Plus’, give us a shout!
