If your pet spends time outdoors, it will be vulnerable to flea infestation. Mild cases of fleas usually cause itching and skin irritation, but ingesting fleas (usually while your pet is trying to relieve an itch) can transmit other dangerous parasites such as tapeworms.

Some animals have allergic reactions to flea infestation, and more severe cases can result in anemia or even death due to blood loss. These dangers make preventing and treating flea bites important for any pet owner.

Flea and tick prevention medicines are available in many forms including sprays, wipes, powders, shampoos, foams and dips, but the vast majority of pet owners choose to protect their pets with monthly ‘spot-on topicals', or with oral tablets. These products have become popular because treatment is convenient and effective; one application of liquid drops or ointment to a specific spot on the skin, or one dose of one or two tablets, and fleas are gone for a month.