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Fleas are difficult to see, but you can certainly tell when they're around – especially when they're on your pet.

The following are warning signs that there may be fleas on your pet:

BLACK SPECKS Black specks on your pet or in your dog's or cat's bed may be "flea dirt" – the fecal matter from adult fleas. There are two easy ways to check for black specks: •  Flea Comb – available from your veterinarian (the metal ones are the best). Run the comb over your pet, making sure the comb reaches the skin through the coat. If black specks are on the comb when you pull it off, they might be flea dirt. If fleas are on the comb, drown them in a bowl of soapy water before they can get away or jump back on your pet. •  White paper towel – place a white paper towel beneath your pet and rub your hands across its fur. If black specks appear on the towel, it may be flea dirt. AGITATION/SCRATCHING   If infested with fleas, your pet will become very nervous and annoyed and will probably scratch excessively.

If these warning signs appear, consult your veterinarian. You can control your pet's existing fleas and help prevent them from ever bothering your pet again with monthly applications of one of the FRONTLINE^® Brand Products.

Ailments - Fleas can affect your pet's health in the following ways:

Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD) * When a flea bites your dog or cat, it deposits a small amount of saliva in the skin. Your pet can develop FAD in reaction to this saliva, which causes severe itching. In addition to your pet scratching or biting excessively around the tail, groin or backside, scabs or bumps may also appear on your pet's neck or back. *A Practical Guide to Feline Dermatology, M.W. Vroom - Oisterwijk, the Netherlands   Anemia Anemia occurs in young, older or ill pets if too many fleas suck their blood. The signs of anemia include pale gums, weakness and lethargy in your pet.   Rickettsiosis * Infected cats may not have clinical signs or show symptoms, but this disease can be passed to humans. People with this infection may have severe headache, high fever, delerium and depression. *Centers for Disease Control   Plague * Three forms of plague are seen in cats and people: bubonic, septicemic, and pneumonic plague. Bubonic is the most common in cats and is associated with high fever, dehydration and enlarged lymph nodes. *Department of Veterinary Pathology, AFIP   Tapeworm * Dogs or cats infected by tapeworm may have intense anal itching. However, they may show no signs at all. People can also be infected. Signs include intense anal itching and presence of tapeworm segments in feces. As with pets, people may also have no signs. *Centers for Disease Control   Cat Scratch Disease * Although cats usually have no signs of this disease, it can be passed to people. Signs in infected people include a pustule at the infection site, low-grade fever, enlarged lymph nodes and listlessness. *Nancy Busen, Ph.D., RN, University of Texas - Houston Health & Science Center

If you believe that your pet is suffering from any of these ailments, consult your veterinarian. Contact your physician if you believe you may be infected with any of these diseases. You may be able to lower the risk of you and your pet suffering from these flea-bite related ailments by regularly applying FRONTLINE to your pet.

Prevention

FRONTLINE kills fleas already on your dog or cat and helps to protect against new flea infestations – even if you forget to re-apply it on time. (To stay on top of your pet's FRONTLINE applications, sign up for our free e-mail reminders!) FRONTLINE is easy to use and highly effective. Research has shown 100% of fleas on your pet are killed within 18 hours of application. In addition to applying FRONTLINE, the following steps can also be taken to prevent fleas from harming your pet:

Vacuuming - Frequently vacuum the areas your pet is around, especially carpeted areas in your home, any furniture that is frequented by your pet, and in your car (if your pet rides in your car). This will clean up as many immature fleas (eggs, larvae and pupae) as possible.

Washing - Regularly wash your pet's bedding, blanket and other washable items in the hottest water possible (check the laundering instructions to make sure that washing in hot water isn't a problem).

Yard Work - Mow your lawn and rake up any leaves, brush or clippings.