Get Advice from a Vet

ASK A VET
Veterinarian, DVM, MBA
Get free advice on diet, health, fitness, and wellness questions within 3 business days via email.

Top 4 Flea Myths Every Pet Owner Should Know

Ask the Vet
Lindsay Butzer, DVM
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
Dr. Lindsay Butzer
Back to results
Enter Your Information All fields are required

While efforts are made to answer all questions as quickly as possible, if an immediate answer is required or if your pet is in need of urgent or emergency care, contact your pet's veterinarian immediately.

*Please note: Questions submitted and the answers will appear on our website as a benefit to all pet owners. Please make sure not to include any personal information in the box where you enter your question.

Ask the Vet
Lindsay Butzer, DVM
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
Dr. Lindsay Butzer
Thank you! Your question has been submitted.

You will receive an answer from Dr. Lindsay and our vet/tech team as soon as possible, usually the same day.

All answers are provided for informational or educational purposes only, and are intended to be a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise and professional judgment of your pet's veterinarian.

It may be necessary to consult your pet's veterinarian regarding the applicability of any opinions or recommendations with respect to your pet's symptoms or medical condition.

Close
Ask the Vet
Lindsay Butzer, DVM
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
Dr. Lindsay Butzer
Oops! Your question has not been submitted.

An error has occurred, please reload the page and try again.

Close
Ask the Vet
Lindsay Butzer, DVM
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
Dr. Lindsay Butzer
Got questions? Ask Dr. Lindsay & our Vet Team:

While efforts are made to answer all questions as quickly as possible, if an immediate answer is required or if your pet is in need of urgent or emergency care, contact your pet's veterinarian immediately.

Do these answer your question?
Showing of | See All
Have another question, or can’t find your answer?
Submit your question
We're Sorry!

There is no answer related to your question

Can’t find your answer?
Submit your question
Category

Top 4 flea myths

Myth #1: My flea preventative doesn't work.
Most flea preventatives are only meant to kill the fleas on your pet, not in your home. And since adult fleas are only 5% of a flea infestation, what you see on your pet is only half the battle. Flea eggs, larvae and flea cocoons aren't easy to get rid of, and only products formulated to target these stages of the flea cycle can help in truly eliminating a flea infestation.

 

Myth #2: I don't have fleas in my home.
Having fleas in your home is certainly a thought one would rather not think of. However, below is an example of where most fleas reside in an infestation.

  • 5% adult fleas- live on your pet
  • 10% flea cocoons - live in your home & hatch 3-4 weeks from first treatment
  • 35% larvae - move around in your home feeding on adult flea feces
  • 50% flea eggs - living on your pet drop off in your home

In short, you MUST treat your home and yard to truly get rid of fleas.

 

 

Myth #3: I already treated my home; the fleas are gone.
When an adult flea lays eggs, it forms a hard cocoon-like shell, called the pupae, which is impossible to kill with even with the strongest carpet spray. You can only kill the pupae once they hatch into adult fleas. Pupae hatches 3-4 weeks after you first treat your home. That is why it is important to treat your home again in 3-4 weeks.

Fogging your home helps to kill the pupae since the residual effects from foggers usually last months after your first treatment. Just remember, foggers can be dangerous, be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions.
In addition, fleas are hitch hikers and attach to your shoes or clothing. So you must treat your yard or you will continue to have fleas in your home.

 

Myth #4: Topical flea preventatives are waterproof; it's OK to bathe my pet
For best results, always wait 24 hours after applying a topical flea preventative before you wash your pet. Even then, use a gentle shampoo that will not rinse off preventative.

 
Tip

Warm temperatures make flea cocoons hatch. After the cocoon has hatched, treat your home again to prevent fleas from laying more eggs.

We'll contact your Vet to verify.
5 out of 5 Customer Rating
Star symbol Star symbol Star symbol Star symbol Star symbol
Prescription Item
Save 40% with first AutoShip. Use code NEW40
$122.72
$129.18
$184.55 Reg Price
Shop now
We'll contact your Vet to verify.
4.2 out of 5 Customer Rating
Star symbol Star symbol Star symbol Star symbol Star symbol
Prescription Item
Save 40% with first AutoShip. Use code NEW40
$63.63
$66.98
$95.69 Reg Price
Shop now
We'll contact your Vet to verify.
4.9 out of 5 Customer Rating
Star symbol Star symbol Star symbol Star symbol Star symbol
Prescription Item
$48.99
$69.99 Reg Price
Shop now
We'll contact your Vet to verify.
3.7 out of 5 Customer Rating
Star symbol Star symbol Star symbol Star symbol Star symbol
Save 40% with first AutoShip. Use code NEW40
$19.93
$20.98
$29.97 Reg Price
Shop now
We'll contact your Vet to verify.
5 out of 5 Customer Rating
Star symbol Star symbol Star symbol Star symbol Star symbol
Save 40% with first AutoShip. Use code NEW40
$20.88
$21.98
$31.40 Reg Price
Shop now
We'll contact your Vet to verify.
4.9 out of 5 Customer Rating
Star symbol Star symbol Star symbol Star symbol Star symbol
Save 40% with first AutoShip. Use code NEW40
$16.14
$16.99
$24.27 Reg Price
Shop now