No More Fleas, Please

Originally published in LEO on March 8, 2000 • Updated with modern guidance in 2026

From The Pet Guy Archives

Spring in Kentucky means warmer weather, outdoor activities—and unfortunately, the return of fleas and ticks. In this 2000 column, Jeff Seidenfaden explains why successful flea control requires treating more than just your pet and offers practical advice for keeping infestations under control.

While flea prevention products have evolved dramatically over the past two decades, one principle remains as true today as it was then: effective flea control means treating both your pet and its environment.

Editor's Note: This article reflects veterinary recommendations available in 2000. Because flea prevention products and treatment guidelines have evolved significantly, we've included updated guidance below to help today's pet owners make informed decisions

Original 2000 Column

When it's time to start thinking about where we want to sit for Thunder Over Louisville, it is also time to start considering this year's flea and tick prevention. With the influx of new and easy-to-use flea and tick products, people have been finding this dreaded problem easier than ever to fight.

But there is still a right and a wrong way.

Some people, myself included, are members of the I-want-it-now community. We get impatient as we wait for our computers to finish a two-second task, we can't believe that the lady in the drive-through is really going to go through that HUGE purse to look for a penny, and so of course we want our flea and tick troubles to be solved with one quick, simple step. As in the case of the lady with the big purse—it's just not that easy!

Sure, you can go to any pet store and find a "spot-on" product made by one of a dozen companies. It is easily applied to the pet and, as if by magic, fleas start popping off like popcorn out of the popping machine at the theater. Not all of these fleas will give up and die easily, however. Some will jump onto you, your kids, your spouse, or simply take up residence in your bed and couch. You will know this when you get the little pink bumps on your ankles that look like little mosquito bites. These are flea bites.

At that point, it is time to treat the environment. Just like the good old days, you will need to go to your pet, grocery or hardware store and buy either a fogger or indoor flea spray. These are used to treat the house. (Be sure to take your pet out of the house before using the fogger, and follow the instructions carefully.) You want to make sure you buy enough to cover all areas where fleas may be hiding.

Take all bedding, towels and clothes off the floor and wash them in warm water. Give your pet a bath before the spot-on treatment so the fleas will be washed down the drain instead of jumping onto the floor.

Any bathing after the spot-on treatment is applied should be with a non-detergent shampoo to keep from washing your treatment off. Francodex hypo-allergenic shampoo is a good one to keep on hand.

If your pet spends time outside, you may want to buy some yard and kennel spray, as well. Most come in containers that can be attached to your hose and sprayed like you are watering the lawn. Be sure to keep the kids or pets inside until the grass is dry.

Once your pet has been bitten by the flea, he may experience flea bite dermatitis. In plain English, that means it itches. Some dogs are allergic to flea bites and may begin biting, chewing and scratching even after the fleas are long gone.

If your pet is suffering from what seems to be a flea allergy, save yourself a headache and your pet misery by calling your veterinarian for advice on how to treat this. Some may recommend a medicated shampoo. Others will want to give your pet a shot of cortisone to ease the itch while the skin rebuilds and heals. Either way, your veterinarian will have the best advice on flea allergies.

Now that we have covered that territory, stake out your ground down by the riverfront and enjoy all the activities of spring without the fear of a summer full of fleas.

The Pet Guy Perspective Today

The biggest takeaway from this article is still excellent advice: successful flea control requires treating the entire problem—not just the pet.

The good news is that flea prevention has come a long way since this column was first published. Today's veterinary prescription products are significantly more effective than many of the over-the-counter treatments available in 2000. Many modern preventives kill fleas before they can reproduce, often eliminating infestations before they become established.

Some recommendations have also evolved. While flea foggers and whole-house sprays were commonly used years ago, veterinarians today often recommend starting with a highly effective flea preventive and using targeted environmental treatments only when necessary. This approach reduces unnecessary pesticide exposure while still controlling infestations.

One point remains unchanged: consistency is critical. Skipping monthly flea prevention—even during cooler months—can allow infestations to return, especially since fleas can survive indoors year-round.

If your pet develops persistent scratching, hair loss, hot spots, or skin infections, flea allergy dermatitis should always be considered. Fortunately, today's veterinarians have many more options for diagnosing and treating flea allergies, allowing most pets to remain comfortable throughout the year.

The easiest flea infestation to eliminate is the one that never starts. Preventive care remains the best defense.

Continue Reading in The Pet Guy Archives

• Tackling "Itchy Dog Syndrome"

• Summer Can Be Easy for Your Pets: Part I

• Summer Can Be Easy for Your Pets: Part II

• Winterizing Your Pets

  
  

About The Pet Guy Archives

The Pet Guy Archives preserve Jeff Seidenfaden's original newspaper columns, television features, and educational articles spanning more than three decades. Each article is carefully republished to preserve its historical authenticity while making it accessible to today's pet owners.

About the Author

Jeff Seidenfaden is The Pet Guy—an award-winning pet expert, television host, newspaper columnist, entrepreneur, and animal advocate who has spent more than three decades helping families build better relationships with their pets. Through his newspaper columns, television appearances, and educational outreach, Jeff has shared practical, compassionate advice with hundreds of thousands of pet owners across the country.