• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Our website uses cookies. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our use of cookies. To see what cookies we serve and set your own preferences, please review our Cookie Policy. Learn More.

The Dog People by Rover.com

Powered By Rover.com

Tips, stories, and reviews for people who love dogs, powered by Rover.com, the world's largest network of 5-star pet sitters and dog walkers.

  • The Dog People by Rover.com
  • Dog Breeds
    • Golden Retriever
    • Australian Shepherd
    • German Shepherd
    • Pomeranian
    • Shih Tzu
    • Border Collie
    • Labrador Retriever
    • Boxer
    • Beagle
    • Dachshund
    • Chihuahua
    • Poodle
    • Yorkshire Terrier
  • Dog Love
    • Cute
    • Funny
    • Heartwarming
    • Quizzes
    • Trending
    • True Stories
  • Dog Names
    • Best Girl Dog Names
    • Top Boy Dog Names
    • Unique Dog Names
    • Cute Dog Names
    • Best Puppy Names
    • Dog Name Generator
    • Tough Dog Names
    • Food Dog Names
    • Romantic Dog Names
    • Literary Dog Names
    • Country Dog Names
  • Dog Videos
  • Life with Dogs
    • Dog Safety
    • Dog Behavior
    • Dog Psychology
    • Dog Nutrition
    • Dog Training
    • Health and Wellness
    • Recipes
    • Can My Dog Eat…?
  • PuppyHQ
    • Dog Adoption
    • Puppy Essentials
    • Puppy Names
    • Puppy Training
  • Shopping
    • Shop Rover Goods
    • All Dog Product Guides
    • Dog Gift Guides
    • Safety and Training
    • Toys and Chews
  • Cats!
    • Cat Breeds
    • Cat Names
    • Cat Psychology
  • Grooming
  • Get Rover
    • Dog Boarding
    • Pet Sitting
    • Dog Walking
    • Doggy Day Care
    • House Sitting
    • Search Pet Sitters & Dog Walkers
    • Shop Rover Goods
    • Sitter Resources
  • Languages
    • en-CA
    • en-GB
    • fr-FR
    • es-ES
    • de-DE
    • it-IT
    • nl-NL
    • nb-NO
    • sv-SE
    • fr-CA

The Real Story Behind the “Super Flea” and What You Can Do About It

Share147Pin It5

The Real Story Behind the “Super Flea” and What You Can Do About It

Caring for Your Dog

Share147Tweet0Pin It5

Fleas live everywhere in the world except the Arctic—so it’s no surprise we have to do battle with them no matter where we live. And for many, it’s now a year-round concern. Summer is typically thought of as peak “flea season,” but milder winters, along with central heat and carpeting, have led to more fleas, more often. Pet parents and pet sitters alike are understandably frustrated. Do we have super-fleas on our hands?

Dog scratching - super flea

Advertisement

Is the flea evolving?

You’ve tried all the usual suspects, from Frontline to Advantage, and the fleas keep coming back. Are fleas resistant to standard flea treatments? Mutant fleas??

Well, probably not. Or at least, not yet! What’s more likely happening is that the fleas are sticking around in the environment, and that even if they die off on your dog, the root problem hasn’t been addressed.

Only 5 percent of the total flea population actually live on our dogs—the rest just set up camp in our pet’s bedding and huddle under the furniture. They hang out in the moist and shady spots outside and just lie in wait. And occasionally, they jump 10-12 inches high and grab on for dear life.

All fleas can be super

In short, “super fleas,” are really just well-nourished, everyday fleas. Given the right conditions, ALL fleas have the potential to be super fleas. They’re stubborn, and they’ll stick around!

What’s a pet parent to do? Stay on top of flea treatments, year-round, and be vigilant. Fortunately, there are more options for treatment than there used to be. We’ve detailed some below, and you can find more here.

Oral options for treatment

Pug scratching - super flea

Flickr/john.nathaniel

Capstar for dogs and cats: around $30 for 6 doses

Pros

  •    Kills adult fleas quickly
  •    Side effects are rare
  •    No mess
  •    No prescription required

Cons

  •    Doesn’t kill flea eggs or larvae
  •    Pets may not take pill willingly

Comfortis for dogs and cats: around $95 for 6 doses

Pros

  •    Kills adult fleas quickly
  •    Long-lasting effects
  •    No mess

Cons

  •    May cause vomiting
  •    Serious reactions are rare, but possible
  •    Requires a prescription

Many vets advise that these oral medications are more effective than the standard topical treatments, but you should consult your vet to decide what’s right for your dog. Natural remedies are also available. You can get a full list of flea treatment options here.

Whichever flea treatment you choose, remember to follow the directions. Pay attention to the weight determined dosage and keep track of your treatment dates. All treatments must be applied on time and correctly to be effective.

But what about our house? It’s like a flea bag hotel.

Flea hotel - super flea

Flickr/Mauren Didde

First, evict the super flea tenants from your poor, powerless dog. Then take the battle to the house. 

The flea is predictable and lazy. It’s snoozing in your pet’s bed. It hates the sun and prefers the dark, dingy corners.

So, wash your pet’s bedding regularly. Toss away old stuffed toys. Vacuum carpeting daily, especially under the furniture and in the corners.  Toss the pillows and cushions in the wash if you can.  If you have done all of this and your ankles are still itching, you may want to hire a professional bounty-hunter like Orkin to pay the Super Flea one last visit.

Hero image: Flickr / Matt Brown

_

The information provided in this article is not a substitute for professional veterinary help.

 

Share147Tweet0Pin It5

sidebar

Share This Article

Share147Tweet0Pin It5

Tips & stories by dog people, for dog people

Powered by Rover.com

Popular Posts

  • How Do Dogs Choose Their Favorite Person?
  • 14 Muddiest Dogs on the Entire Internet
  • TLC From B.C. Rescue Turns Fierce Feral Cats Into Calm Kitties
  • 15 Dog-Safe Plants You Can Add to Your Garden Right Now
  • 19 Best Pug Gifts for People Who Love ‘Em

The Dog People Newsletter

Sign up and get $25 off pet sitting and dog walking!

Powered by Rover.com

Learn More

  • About Rover.com
  • Download the App
  • Rover Store
  • Sitter Resources
  • In The Press
  • Terms of Service
  • Affiliate Disclosure
  • User Terms
  • Privacy Statement
  • Cookie Policy

Need Help?

  • Help Center
  • Join the Team
Advertisement
© 2022 Rover.com. All Rights Reserved.