7 Common Flea and Ticks Myths Debunked

• Debunked fact: Unfortunately, even indoor pets that never put a paw outdoors are still susceptible to getting fleas and ticks. “Fleas and ticks can enter homes in many ways, such as through open windows or doors, other pets, people, or wildlife,” says Julio Alonso, DVM, a veterinarian in New York, New York.  
• Why it’s a problem: If even a single flea enters the home, this can pose a risk to your pets. Fleas multiply very quickly, which means a small issue turns into a huge issue quite quickly. Flea can also take months to eradicate. Further, ticks carry diseases, like Lyme disease and anaplasmosis, so it’s not worth the risk.  
• What to do: Though the risk is lower, it’s still a risk and indoor pets still need protection. Veterinarians recommend year-round flea and tick prevention for all pets, such as Credelio, Simparica (for dogs), Nexgard, and Bravecto. Your vet will recommend the best preventive for your pet. 

• Debunked fact: While fleas and ticks are definitely a bigger issue in the warmer months, your pet—especially your dog who often has more interactions outside the home—is at risk year-round, notes Katie Merkatoris, DVM, a Wisconsin-based veterinarian specializing in telehealth services for JustAnswer Pets. Fleas can jump from animal to animal very quickly, surviving on the host even if it’s cold outside.  
• Why it’s a problem: “Even if other animals are on flea prevention, they can sometimes temporarily survive on the body before finding a new host or laying their eggs in the environment,” Dr. Merkatoris says. “Flea eggs can survive days to weeks in the right environment. Your pet may be that new host if they are not on prevention.”  
• What to do: Don’t let colder temps give you a false sense of security! Continue using veterinarian-recommended flea and tick preventives year-round to ensure your pet is fully protected. Also, double-check for fleas and ticks after walks or playtime outdoors—even in winter. 

• Debunked fact: Fleas and ticks infest both your pet, your yard, and the environment you both live in. They can take up residence in bedding, on toys, furniture, carpet, and anywhere else that seems like a cozy, safe place.  In your yard, they’re attracted to shady areas and yard waste. 
• Why it’s a problem: “Treating only the pet won’t stop reinfestation,” Dr. Alonso warns. “Both the pet and the indoor and outdoor environment need treatment to stop the problem.”  
• What to do: Clean your home thoroughly; that includes deep-cleaning your pet’s bedding, vacuuming carpets and furniture thoroughly (and discarding the vacuum bag or canister contents immediately), and wiping down all surfaces. Outside, keep your grass short, remove yard waste piles, and decrease shady areas.  You can also hire a pest control expert and/or use pet-safe environmental treatments. 

• Debunked fact: While it may be tempting to choose a “natural treatment” for fleas and ticks versus a pharmaceutical option, the former is unlikely to adequately treat the issue and may even cause more harm than good.   
• Why it’s a problem: “Natural remedies can sometimes deter fleas and ticks, but they are not as effective or safe as veterinary-approved medications,” says Dr. Alonso. “Veterinary medications have been tested for safety and effectiveness, while natural remedies lack clinical evidence to support their reliability. Some natural remedies can also be toxic or harmful to pets.”  
• What to do: Always use a veterinarian-recommended treatment for fleas and ticks. This ensures quick and effective relief for your pet, keeps your home clean, and prevents any medical complications that can occur from “natural remedies.”  

• Debunked fact: “Bathing your pet regularly can help reduce the number of fleas and wash away some flea eggs, but it likely won’t eliminate them entirely,” Dr. Merkatoris says. You need to do much more than a shampoo to completely treat fleas and ticks.  
• Why it’s a problem: If your pet has fleas, Dr. Merkatoris says they’ll be shedding eggs into the environment—which we know can survive for weeks—which can then return to your pet.   
• What to do: Definitely wash your pet with a gentle shampoo, like Advantage Flea & Tick Treatment Shampoo for dogs and for cats, as well as use a flea comb to scoop away visible fleas. The ticks that are killed from the shampoo will require a more careful and intentional removal. Along with bathing, make sure to address the entire environment (outlined above) and use a flea and tick preventive following the manufacture guidelines of all products. Your vet can recommend the best treatment for your pet. 

• Debunked fact: Fleas and ticks can affect hairless pets as well as very fluffy ones. If their host has a warm body and blood, fleas and ticks will be drawn to them. (On that note, humans can get fleas and ticks, as well—and on more than just their head!)  
• Why it’s a problem: If your hairless pet is without flea and tick prevention, then they are at risk of an infestation. Just because they’ve got less hair doesn’t mean they aren’t at risk. 
• What to do: Protect your pet with a year-round flea and tick preventive that’s recommended by your veterinarian. A chew, like Credelio CAT for cats or NexGard Chewables for dogs, may be the best bet for a hairless pet, because topical solutions may not stick as well to their bare skin.  

• Debunked fact: There are many different flea treatments available with different active ingredients that attack different life stages of the flea, says Dr. Merkatoris. Treatments are also sold by the pet’s weight because smaller pets (like kittens and puppies) don’t need quite as large of a dose as adult pets.  
• Why it’s a problem: “Unfortunately, there are many look-alike products sold over the counter that are not only ineffective but can actually be dangerous for your pet,” Dr. Merkatoris says. “Cats, specifically, should never receive a dog flea and tick product as they can have severe and deadly reactions.”  
• What to do: Before starting any treatment, discuss options with your veterinarian. They will make a recommendation for the best type of medication for your sweet fur friend! 

Fleas and ticks are a persistent concern, so it’s best to get ahead of the issue.  

“Prevention is key when it comes to flea and tick control,” Dr. Alonso says. “Please consult with a veterinarian about the most effective, safe, and appropriate flea and tick prevention methods for your pet based on their specific needs and lifestyle.”