Fleas are a very common problem when the weather gets warm. This year, we anticipate a bumper crop of the little pests due to the mild winter and the large populations they had last year. All pets, whether indoor only or not, should be on flea prevention. Even animals that never step outside are often found with flea infestations – their small size and impressive mobility makes it easy for them to sneak through floorboards and cracks.

Many animals develop significant itching and discomfort when infested with fleas. This can lead to biting, chewing, scratching, and often self-mutilation. Cats can ingest up to 95% of the fleas that live on them, which means that it may be very difficult to actually find any on the cat. A large portion of the animals that visit the vet clinic with “allergies” every summer actually only have a problem with fleas. Bottom line, all animals should be on flea prevention.

Tapeworms are a common side effect of fleas. The larval stage of the worm is carried in the adult flea. When dogs, cats, or people eat an infected flea, they too become infected with the tapeworm. Since all animals, especially cats, groom themselves, this problem is seen very frequently. Most animals show no signs other than the small, white, rice-shaped segments the worms release that are found in your pet’s feces.

Many types of flea prevention are available from your vet. These products are safe for your pets and safe to use with children in the home. Most of them need only to be applied once a month for effective prevention, but may be used every 3 weeks for severe problems.