Use a flea comb to catch clients' attention about parasites

As with many veterinary practices, some of Mt. Tabor Veterinary Care's clients are under the impression that fleas aren't a problem in the winter. Unfortunately, many of these Portland, Ore., clients were in for a rude awakening following a flea surge this past fall—one that has carried over through the winter months.

"The most surprised clients are people with indoor-only cats," says associate Dr. Krissy Bussmann. "I always tell people: Fleas don't hibernate in the winter, they just go where it's warm." Unfortunately for some clients, that warm spot is often a cozy spot in a pet owner's carpet, or nestled down in a piece of furniture.

To help educate clients, nothing is more effective than showing clients the flea infestation. So let them look over your shoulder as you take a flea comb through the patient's coat. Many times a client simply needs to see the creepy critters instead of just hearing about them. "Seeing a flea jump out of the flea comb will make a believer out of anyone," Dr. Bussmann says.

It's a simple tool but an effective one, Dr. Bussmann says. With any luck, that's all it will take to get clients involved in the fight against fleas.