There are a lot of myths about fleas and ticks that pet parents tend to believe without proper verification. It is all the more dangerous when they end up making conscious decisions for their pet by relying on myths. If you’re new to pet parenthood and are confused between myths and facts, do not worry, as we are here to help.

In this blog, we will debunk some common flea and tick myths that you’ve been believing to be true till now. Let’s get started.

Common Flea and Tick Myths

  • Fleas and ticks are harmless parasites

If you’re under the impression that fleas and ticks are just irritating but don’t pose serious health risks, you’re completely wrong. While fleas can cause severe skin allergies, transmit tapeworms and even lead to anemia, ticks are vectors for diseases like Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.

  • Healthy pets don’t get infested with fleas and ticks

Even if your pet is completely healthy, it is not completely safe from flea and tick infestations. The only way to keep your pet safe from these external parasites is by administering effective preventive treatments.

  • Flea and tick preventives are only required in warmer months

As fleas and ticks thrive during warmer months, many pet parents presume that they only need to use preventive treatment in summer. However, according to experts, irrespective of where you live, year-round flea and tick prevention for dogs and cats is crucial at all times of the year.

  • Colder weather kills fleas and ticks

While fleas and ticks are mostly active in warmer conditions, they can survive in extreme weather. In regions where winter is mild, the parasites remain active year-round. Also, if your home is temperature-controlled, fleas and ticks will thrive. Therefore, it is important that you use a consistent preventive for your pet throughout the year.

  • Indoor pets don’t need flea and tick preventives

Even though your pet majorly stays indoors, it is still at risk of getting infested by fleas and ticks. It may get infected during its daily walk at the pet park or hitchhike on your clothes or shoes when you come back home. The pesky parasites, their eggs or larvae, will always find their way inside your home, no matter what. Therefore, flea and tick control for dogs and cats should always be your priority.

  • Removing a tick with tweezers is easy and effective

Using tweezers to eliminate ticks at home is a popular DIY method used by pet parents. However, if the removal is not done properly, a part of the parasite can remain embedded inside your pet’s skin. This can increase the risk of infections.

  • Flea and tick shampoos offer complete protection

Many pet parents think that bathing their pets with the best flea and tick shampoo for dogs and cats is enough to keep their pal safe from the parasites. However, the shampoos can only eliminate the parasites but cannot prevent them from infesting your pet. Topical and oral preventives work best to treat and protect your pet against fleas and ticks.

The best treatments on the market include Simparica Trio, Bravecto, NexGard, Frontline Plus, Revolution Plus and Bravecto Plus.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How can I tell if my pet is infested with fleas and ticks?

Ticks initially are about the size of a poppy seed and slowly grow as they engorge with blood. Pet parents often find the parasite on their pet’s body after it has fed on its blood for several days and has swollen up.

Fleas, on the other hand, jump on your pet to bite it and then jump off to lay eggs elsewhere. Therefore, the easiest way to determine if your pet has fleas is to look for flea dirt on its fur with the help of a comb.

  • What are the symptoms of flea and tick infestations?

Tick infestation generally leads to small, circular scabs with swelling underneath on your pet’s body. This is the area where ticks attach and feed on your pet’s blood.

The most common symptom of fleas, on the other hand, is hair loss and itching. The infestation may also cause red skin, scabs and flea dirt.

  • How do I prevent flea and tick infestations?

The best and most efficient way to prevent flea and tick infestations is by using flea and tick preventives formulated specifically for the affected pet. Simparica Trio, Bravecto, NexGard, Frontline Plus, Revolution Plus and Bravecto Plus are some of the best flea and tick treatments for cats and dogs.

  • How often should I use flea and tick preventive on dogs and cats?

Most of the flea and tick preventives are designed for monthly administration. However, you should read the treatment’s product label to determine its dosage prior to administration.

  • Do fleas and ticks affect humans?

Fleas do not generally tend to bite humans and need to feed on dogs and cats for their eggs to hatch.

Ticks, on the other hand, feed on human blood in the same way they would on dogs and cats. The parasites also spread various blood-borne diseases like Lyme disease and Ricky Mountain spotted fever. The diseases may also end up causing serious harm and permanent damage to many individuals.

Explore a wide range of effective flea and tick treatments from trusted brands at unbeatable prices and ensure your pet’s protection against pesky parasites.

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Wrapping Up

Being a responsible pet parent, it is highly important that you remain well-informed about fleas and ticks, their prevention and not believe in myths. Always remember that using appropriate preventives and seeking help from your vet are the most efficient ways to keep your pet safe from harmful parasites. By being informed, you can ensure that your pet lives a comfortable and healthy life, free from fleas and ticks.