I see fleas nearly every day. I see them on indoor cats, I see them on outdoor cats, and I see them on every size and shape of dog.

It’s part of the territory. I am up close and personal with the skin and coats of my patients all day long. External parasites — both those visible and those NOT visible to the naked eye — are an important part of my “to-do” list.

Fleas carry a certain “ick factor” for many. Does it make you suddenly feel itchy all over to think of fleas? But … not for me. Maggots and sarcoptic mites are way higher on my “ick” scale … as are ear mites, really, for that matter. (Everyone deserves to experience this YouTube video of ear mites, by the way).

Besides the lack of “ick” factor, I also don’t care about fleas because they are so treatable. Maybe 20 or 30 years ago they were harder to manage, but today, the products available to quickly and efficiently end your flea problem simply abound.

Ultimately though, I don’t care about fleas … because fleas aren’t really the problem.

None of the parasites I treat are really the problem.

Instead, parasites are the vectors for far more serious, far more worrisome diseases.

Sure, veterinarians provide flea, tick and heartworm prevention for pets. But in reality, they are advocating for the prevention of vector-borne disease.

Fleas can cause flea allergy dermatitis, and can spread pathogens such as Bartonella (implicated in cat-scratch fever), and even Yersinia pestis (the plague!) in other parts of the world.

Mosquitoes are the classic and notorious insects that spread disease (and thank goodness there is no current evidence to suggest they can spread COVID). In our pets, heartworm is the well-known and feared sequelae to a mosquito bite.

Finally, ticks, are a continuous and growing concern in our area. They are important parasites to avoid, due to their ability to transmit so many pathogens, namely Lyme in our region.

Part of your pet’s annual physical exam should include a careful consideration of their parasite prevention. Discuss your pet’s lifestyle with your vet to determine which parasites they are most at risk of being exposed to — because remember, it’s not just about the “ick” factor.

Ear Mites in Cats – Pet Ear Care Center
Fleas and flea-borne diseases
Mosquito-Borne Diseases
Can Mosquitoes Carry the Coronavirus? Here’s What Experts Say
American Heartworm Society
Quick Reference: Ticks and Pathogens