Fleas are always the first thing to suspect when your pet starts to scratch. Begin by looking at your pet's bare belly, since fleas will be easier to spot there than elsewhere in the coat. If you see one flea, there are most likely more than 100 offspring looming nearby in furniture, carpeting and on your pet.

Fleas, ticks and mosquitoes are known carriers of Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever and West Nile virus. In addition, your pet could suffer from flea-allergy dermatitis if not protected.

Learn how to protect your pet:

• 5 things you can do to keep fleas away
• Learn how to banish fleas from your pet and your home
• Understand the seasonal connection to flea-allergy dermatitis
• Learn how to identify fleas in your pet's coat
• 10 other itchy skin and coat conditions
• Get more information on common pet parasites


Remember, your veterinarian can now prescribe topical flea control to quickly and effectively keep fleas, ticks and mosquitoes off your pet.