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Top 10 Flea Myths:

  1. People with Dirty Houses Get Fleas - Unfortunately even the most spotless
    house can get infested by fleas. Fleas usually enter the house on your dogs, so if your
    dogs spend any time outdoors and you live in an area with fleas, it is important to
    protect them with a natural flea repellent at all times.
  2. Chemical Spot-On Flea Products Are an Easy and Safe Way to Prevent
    Fleas - They are easy, yes, but their safety is a topic of much debate. There have been
    so many reports of adverse reactions in dogs to the popular chemical spot-on products,
    that the EPA has begun an investigation into their safety. You can read more on the
    EPA website.
  3. Chemical Flea Collars Are an Easy and Safe Way to Prevent Fleas - Flea
    collars for dogs that use chemicals as a repellent are also the subject of much
    controversy due to reported side effects and studies showing potentially harmful
    chemical residues transferred to dogs. The Natural Resource Defense Council has even
    filed suit in California to block the sale of these products. An article with more details
    can be found here.  See the Natural Resources Defense Council's Green Paws product
    guide
  4. Fleas Live on dogs, Not in the House - Fleas usually enter the house on dogs,
    as stated above, but they can quickly find refuge in the cozy environment in the house.
    Carpeting, pet beds, and furniture can quickly become homes for fleas. If you find fleas
    in the house, you should quickly take action to eliminate them.
  5. If I Have Hardwood Floors, My House is Safe - Unfortunately fleas can live in
    the cracks of hardwood floors, and around the edges of tiled floors. And as mentioned
    above, they can also take refuge in furniture, bedding, and area rugs.
  6. Once My Pet is Rid of Fleas, The Problem is Solved - Fleas do not leave
    easily, and they reproduce very quickly. Up to half of a flea population can be in the
    form of eggs or in the larval or cocoon stage, and it can take weeks for an egg to hatch
    and turn into a flea. If you have seen fleas on your dog or in house, you need to be
    vigilant for months. The best approach is prevention, so always treat your dogs with a
    natural flea repellent if they spend time outdoors.
  7. There Are No Fleas in the Winter - Although the flea population may disappear
    in the winter in cold climates, they can live comfortably on in your house. If your pet or
    your house had fleas during the warm months, keep a watchful eye out during the
    winter months as well. And of course fleas can survive in many warm Southern climates
    all year long, so flea control is a year-round battle there.
  8. My Veterinarian Can Most Effectively Treat Fleas - It is not a bad idea to
    consult your veterinarian about flea control, but be wary of the chemical flea control
    products mentioned earlier. We recommend trying to find a holistic veterinarian who
    can guide you on natural flea control products. One resource for finding a holistic
    veterinarian is the website for the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association.
  9. Natural Flea Control Products Don't Work - Although many natural flea control
    products don't have to go through EPA-mandated tests because they aren't classified
    as pesticides, this doesn't mean that they don't work. People all over the country use
    the natural approach to flea control effectively, and although it is not always as easy as
    using chemicals, you can rest assured that the products are safe for your pet and your
    family.
  10. A Healthy dog Won't Get Fleas - While not completely accurate, there is some
    truth to the fact that a healthy animal is a less attractive host for fleas. That's one
    reason why it is important to start with a high quality diet of natural food as a base for
    good health. Even a healthy dog can get fleas, however, so you must keep a watchful
    eye out and use a natural flea repellent even on healthy dogs.
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