Think you know everything there is to know about fleas and their impact on pets? Read these little known flea facts and common flea myths that can solve all your flea related doubts.
Flea Myth 1 – A few fleas are okay to have
This is one of the greatest of all flea myths and hundreds of pet owners are under this misconception. The fact is that fleas multiply as rapidly as rabbits and even a single flea can multiply to 1000 fleas in 21 days on your pet. Pets that are highly sensitive to flea antigens can get greatly disturbed by even a single bite. Additionally, flea bites can be terrible for humans as well.
Flea Myth 2 – Fleas can fly
Fleas cannot fly but did you know these related ‘un-fun’ flea facts? Fleas can jump 150 times their own body size; they can jump 30,000 times in a row without stopping, and can also jump left or right in opposite directions with every jump!
Flea Myth 3 – A flea infestation is easy to deal with
Pet-owners believing in such flea myths are probably unaware of these flea facts: A single female flea can lay nearly 2000 eggs in her lifetime (nearly 40 to 50 each day!). Furthermore, a single flea can consume nearly 15 times her own body weight in blood every day. Each flea can live for nearly 3 months during which period it can cause a great deal of anxiety to your pet.
Flea Myth 4 – We should use preventive flea measures only in the warmer months
The little known flea facts include the truth that flea protection is necessary all year round but especially in the warmer and humid environments.
Flea Myth 5 – After the flea treatment is over, pet owners can rest assured
This is the biggest of all flea myths that many pet owners believe in. They even stop treating their pet, thinking the fleas are gone for good. The fact is: fleas are just going to return after a few months. Additionally, many pets are very sensitive to fleas and to their excreted matter and their eggs; all these can lead to allergic condition or dermatitis that causes itching, hair loss and lesions on the pets. Thus: flea control is a continuous and lifelong process.
Flea Myth 6 – Spraying the home and yard with flea control products is all you need to do
Important among all flea facts is the logical step that merely treating the pet’s environment is not enough. Fleas should be controlled on the pet itself otherwise they are simply going to feed and lay eggs on it.
Flea Myth 7 – The more flea products the better
This is one of the most dangerous of all flea myths that owners believe in. Many owners end up using multiple flea products, believing that they are acting in their pet’s interest. An important one among all flea facts is that one must never use a flea shampoo along with a flea dip or other flea products without the vet’s approval. This will cause the pet to take in too much of the unapproved products that can do more harm than good. Similarly, if you have a cat and a dog as well, you cannot use the same products for the two, but must inform your vet so s/he can prescribe appropriate products for either pet.
Flea Myth 8 – Flea products are toxic
This depends on the particular flea control product you use. Today, there are several FDA approved flea products available in the market. Prescription flea control agents have been created by the veterinarians (many of who also use them on their own pets). These flea control agents have been tested extensively by the FDA and guarantee the safety for humans as well as the animals.
These are a few flea myths and flea facts that every pet owner needs to be aware of in order to maintain their pet’s health and wellbeing. If you have questions about fleas, please see the FAQ section.
