Veterinary Medicine Essentials: Fleas

Look at that fellow, right over there bigger than life. Such a tiny thing (when it's actual size) can become a huge problem fast. Below we've gathered the latest updates on flea invasion, discussions on prevention, ways to eradicate infestations, how to gain client compliance with preventives and more. Now say goodbye to this fellow and his kin for good.

Updates on fleas

Most natural veterinary parasite products don't work: It's science

Jan 31, 2019

What should you say about all-natural, organic parasite preventives to clients? ...

Your clients yard has been treated for fleas and ticks, so theyre good, right?

Jul 17, 2018

Residential lawn care companies heavily advertise treatments that reportedly keep fleas and ticks at bay this time of yearbut do they work, and are they safe for your veterinary patients? ...

Dont be yourself (in your next parasite prevention conversation)

Jul 06, 2018

What do a scientist, a showman, a saver and a conspiracy theorist have in common? Theyre all roles you can play when educating veterinary clients about the perils of parasites. ...

How to get 100% compliance on flea, tick and heartworm preventives

Sep 13, 2016

OK... maybe not 100%. But these five strategies can help increase client compliance with parasite prevention products. ...

Parasite compliancethere's a hack for that.

Aug 03, 2016

Put parasite woes to rest with these client education and communication tips, as well as a few ideas to make those fecal exams stink less. Literally. ...

Figure this: Fleas

Jun 24, 2015

Fleas are frustrating, for all involved. But we wonder, is there a communication gap between practitioners and clients that could be making the fight against fleas even worse? ...

Video: Flea hideouts in the house

Mar 23, 2015

Parasitology expert Michael Dryden, DVM, MS, PhD, reveals prime hideouts for fleas-and gives tips to clear them out of clients' homes for good. ...

Detection of fleas

Audio: Wild ones to watch for

Parasitology expert Michael Dryden, DVM, MS, PhD, shares which species of wildlife are a threat to the pets in your clients' backyards. ...

The importance of taking a complete dermatologic history

And how to do it right-including a comprehensive downloadable client history form. ...

Use a flea comb to catch clients' attention about parasites

Having trouble getting through to your clients about parasite protection? Give them an up-close look at fleas in the exam room. ...

Control and prevention of fleas

The frustrating and sordid history of the Great Flea War

Although the level of invasion is down drastically compared with the past, we've yet to conquer this tiny foe. Once more unto the breach, troops! ...

Not fleas again?!

If you're tired of fleas, just imagine how your poor creeped-out veterinary clients feel facing the devil's jumping beans. One more time, doctors, with gusto: Let's go get those blood suckers! ...

Focus on residual activity: Case study data reveal a clearer flea control picture

A dog in Tampa, Fla., had a severe flea infestation. An area flea-counting system was used to evaluate pet flea counts. ...

A case for year-round flea control

Dr. Byron Blagburn discusses how the control of fleas and flea-induced diseases requires a considerable effort by both pet owners and veterinarians. ...

How you and your clients can win the flea control battle

Why do fleas sometimes persist in an environment even when you think you and your client are doing everything right? ...

Associated conditions

Can you catch the signs of flea allergy dermatitis?

VETERINARY MEDICINE - Feb 05, 2018

Allergies are likely an abundant aggravation in your veterinary patients. Here's how to figure out if fleas might be at fault. ...

Flea-associated illnesses in cats

Jun 01, 2005

Learn how to recognize, test for, treat, and prevent Bartonella and Mycoplasma species infections in cats. ...

Help veterinary clients get a handle on hot spots

VETERINARY ECONOMICS - Apr 28, 2014

It's important to warn pet owners that those unsightly wounds often signal an underlying issue-and getting to the root of the problem is critical. ...

An overview of cestode infections in dogs and cats

Mar 01, 2007

Careful attention is needed both to prevent tapeworm infections and to ensure prompt, effective treatment when infections do occur. ...

Teens death renews concerns about plague

DVM360 MAGAZINE - Jul 24, 2015

Taylor Gaes of Larimer County, Colorado, died of the plague in June. ...

Client education

Flea education packet: Top five client handouts

Help fleas flee with these popular forms for pet owners. ...

Seize more fleas with these client communication tips

5 ways to freshen up flea education at your veterinary practice. ...

Client handout: Parasite prevention for tiny veterinary patients

Offer these instructions to owners of pets that are too small for preventive products. ...

Clinic poster: Don't lose the war on fleas!

Proudly display this poster to prompt your veterinary clients to ask about the array of flea preventives you offer. ...

Interactive feature: The fast-paced life of fleas

Help veterinary clients understand how one flea turns into thousands. ...

Filling in the knowledge gaps: A client handout about fleas

Dont let clients jump to conclusions when it comes to fleas. Give them these handouts to clear up any confusion. ...

Client handout: If you've been infested

Tell your pet owners not to panic and follow these tips to handle a dreaded flea infestation. ...

Arming your team

The flea control toolkit

Is it just us or does it feel like fleas are just everywhere? When veterinary clients don't see the need for year-round prevention, you and your team have your work cut out for you. Here's help. (With an educational grant provided by Zoetis) ...

Essential oils for fleas and ticks? Not so fast

Veterinary toxicologist lays out the facts on "natural" parasite prevention products. ...

Feeling burnt out on fleas? Try these tips for client compliance

Weve combed (see what we did there?) through our archive to bring you the best reader-submitted tips to combat fleas. ...

Answers to 3 common price questions about flea, tick and heartworm preventives

Consider these scripts when fielding questions from veterinary clients about the cost of flea, tick and heartworm preventives. ...

Leap over clients' flea control barriers

Are your veterinary clients not buying flea preventives to protect their pets? You don't have to buy their excuses. ...

Sample conversation tree: Flea and tick talks, deconstructed

When clients complain that their flea and tick preventives just don't work like they used to, use your investigative powers to ask the right questions to uncover any application errors and discuss next steps. ...

Audio: The harsh reality: Where did that flea come from?

Parasitology expert Michael Dryden, DVM, MS, PhD, discusses the tricky conversation you have to have with pet owners to help them understand the flea life cycle and get a handle on the situation at home. ...