Texas’ Flea Season Is Here: Signs, Risks, and How to Keep Your Pets Safe

As the mercury climbs, pests are making their way into homes, much to the dismay of pet owners. Fleas, in particular, can be a persistent nuisance for furry companions, causing relentless itchiness and health complications if left unchecked. According to Dr. Lori Teller, a clinical professor at Texas A&M’s College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, understanding how fleas operate is key to keeping pets comfortable and healthy during the warm months.

For the Texas community, the growing flea problem resonates far beyond just pets. Rising infestations can contribute to a range of health issues for both pets and their owners, spreading disease and putting additional financial stress on families. Furthermore, the state’s warm climate, growing pet population, and extensive wildlife make flea control especially challenging. Staying vigilant, employing effective prevention, and acting promptly can help protect not only pets but also reduce health risks for everyone in the community.

If you think your pet might be battling fleas, there are several warning signs to watch for. Scratching, especially at the lower back, thighs, or head, is a big indicator. Some pets may lose fur, develop raw sores, or suffer secondary skin infections due to persistent scratching. Black particles, called “flea dirt”, may appear in their fur and will produce a red-colored trail if dampened. An unchecked infestation can pose significant health problems, ranging from anemia in weak pets to the transmission of disease. Here’s a brief list of health issues fleas can cause:

• Spread of tapeworms (Dipylidium caninum) if swallowed
  
• Allergic reactions to flea saliva (flea allergy dermatitis)
  
• Secondary skin infections stemming from sores and raw skin
  
• Anemia, especially in puppies or elderly pets
  
• Disease transmission to humans, including cat scratch fever (Bartonella), bubonic plague (Yersinia pestis), and murine typhus (Rickettsia typhi)
  

To keep pets safe, Dr. Teller emphasizes the importance of prevention with veterinary-approved topical, oral, or collar treatments. All pets in a household should be on a flea prevention regimen,  even those that remain indoors, and products should be used precisely as labeled.