Think you know about fleas and their impact on your pet?  Read these common myths to test your knowledge.

#1 Myth:  A few fleas are no big deal.

Reality:  You've heard the expression "breeding like rabbits?"  Well, rabbits have nothing on fleas - a few fleas can turn into a massive infestation in a hurry.  And, if your pet is sensitive to flea antigen, even one or two bites can make him/her very uncomfortable.  Your pet deserves to be completely free of fleas.

#2 Myth:  Pets need flea preventive only a few months out of the year. 

Reality:  In many warm, humid areas, fleas thrive year-round.  Even in more seasonal climates, a warm spring or fall can extend the flea season to 9 or 10 months of the year.  Plus, fleas can survive on your pet and inside anywhere!  Year-round flea control is best for your pet.

#3 Myth:  I've never seen a flea on my pet, so she doesn't need flea control. 

Reality:  You may be in flea denial.  Just because you don't see fleas doesn't mean they aren't there.  Your veterinarian can use a special comb to detect fleas and their waste, so ask her to do this if she hasn't already.  Even if your pet's clean, she can pick up fleas at  any time, so it's a good idea to protect him/her.

#4 Myth:  I can get good flea products at the pet store. 

Reality:  Over the counter flea control products are not as potent and therefore not as effective as the prescription products you can get from your veterinarian.  Some are even toxic, especially if administered incorrectly.  Your pet's doctor can prescribe the best product for your pet and his/her lifestyle (does he/she swim?  hunt rodents?) and show you exactly how to apply it.

#5 Myth:  Once I treat my pet and the fleas go away, my work is done. 

Reality:  One of the biggest mistakes pet owners make is to stop giving a flea product after the fleas go away.  One of the reasons you need to provide continuous control is this:  Pets can become ultrasensitive to fleas if they're intermittently exposed.  In other words, if you notice fleas, treat them, and three months later they come back, and then you treat them again and three months later they come back again, your pet is more likely to develop flea allergy dermatitis - a condition that causes itchiness, lesions, and hair loss. 

#6 Myth:  I only need to treat my one flea-ridden pet, not the other pets in my household. 

Reality:  All pets in your household need to be treated - especially the cats and even the guinea pig.  Some pets are more sensitive to fleas than others, so if you treat only the pet that's scratching, he/she is likely to be reinfested by other pets that also have fleas but aren't giving you any itchy signals.

#7 Myth:  I can't afford to give a flea preventive monthly. 

Reality:  Compared to the stress and cost of treating flea-related related illnesses, monthly control is a low-cost alternative. 

#8 Myth:  My pet stays in the back yard, so he won't pick up fleas. 

Reality:  Your yard is constantly being visited by wildlife such as raccoons and opossums, as well as other neighborhood pets (cats are notorious roamers).  These animals can spread fleas and flea eggs, which can infest your pet.

#9 Myth:  All flea preventives protect pets from fleas only. 

Reality:  Flea products are often combined with agents that control other parasites as well, helping protect your pets from additional diseases-some of which can be transmitted to you.  Keeping your pets on flea control is best for the whole family.

#10 Myth:  Flea products are toxic. 

Reality:  Unlike "natural" products, prescription flea control agents have been extensively tested and approved by the FDA.  You veterinarian and members of the hospital team use these products on their own pets, and they can answer any questions you have about safety.