Attack of the killer super-fleas

[Kermit power]

bexVN said:

Hindsight is a great thing, it's difficult to know who will get flea issues and who won't. Spend some time at the RSPCA/PDSA to see flea burden at its best due to lack of prevention, I'm pretty sure those animals would love some regular chemical intervention! Instead they end up needing steroids, antibiotics, suffer intense misery and still need flea tx.

We see enough flea related problems every day to know that advising prevention is appropriate and correct.

Unpleasant though that may be, by the time the RSPCA get involved, would it not be reasonable to assume the fleas have been left untreated over an extended period of time, and are probably just one symptom of more systematic neglect?

Given the rarity of flea infestation and the (usually) immediate efficacy of treatment, isn't recommending monthly treatments a bit like recommending regular antibiotics for humans just in case you pick up an infection?

[bexVN]

No absolutely not. Flea infestations are not rare. Neither are they always all that easy too clear. Saw 3 cases yesterday, in private practice. It is not just a poor persons problem or an ignorant persons problem.

Edited by bexVN on Thursday 20th September 09:26

[Kermit power]

Fair enough. I assume we're just very lucky to have only had three outbreaks in fourteen years.

[ali_kat]

Thank you for reminding me to Advocate my pair

[bexVN]

You are and I wish I could say to people not too worry because it may not happen but if we don't suggest prevention then it happens guess who gets complained at!

I only advise and from experience prevention is best but neither do I believe in hard sell. I give my time with free advice, pros and cons etc and the client can choose. I can spend half an hr talking about fleas and they may not purchase anything but I am happy that they are informed and that's all I want for people and their pets. (and to hope their pets don't have to suffer fleas....and them!)

Now that reminds me.....when did I last do my lot??! Probably should practice what I preach