Fleas... issue and question
 

Hi everyone.

I have a question...

I feed the stray cats on my back patio, I also have cat shelters (3) and a heated water bowl for them. Everything is neat and tidy.
My downstairs neighbour who complains all the time about everything told me today that his dog had gotten fleas from the cats that pass in the stairs and come to my patio. His dog is never outside, except for doing his business in the back, the dog then comes back up the stairs and goes inside his house.
Now he tells me that it's the cats that gave him fleas!
That the fleas possibly 'jumped on his dog' while a cat was passing on his way to my feeding stations...

I seriously doubt it's the outdoor cats who gave it fleas. I have 2 oitdoor cats who come on my patio.

|What is your opinion about this...

sandyrivers

I doubt it, plus, it's winter and flea population decreases a lot. I think he's probably one of those people.
I want to take the chance to thank you BIG TIME for helping these guys (cats) so compassionate and gentle of you. Thank you so much.

Sandyrivers I goggled fleas in winter in canada and there are some interesting links that indicate fleas can survive our winters. After reading some of the links I would say "yes" the dog could pick up the fleas from the outside BUT he would have had them for awhile now if they have survived the winter. They were likely already in his home and the heat being turned on keeps them alive.

Having said that do you think your neighbour is just looking for an excuse to give you grief about having multiple kitties?

Here is one link but there were lots...

[url]http://www.medicanimal.com/viewarticle/~contentId=110245/~nodeTrailCsv=AR-DOGS-FLEA_TICK,110245/~category_id=MA_DOGS[/url]

Cindy

the vet's answer
 

So this is what the vet told me.

Any animal that goes outside is susceptible to catch fleas, unless they are using a prevbentive treatment such as advantage or revolution.
I was told that if his dog got fleas, it's his own fault for not treating it proper.
I also told the vet that I have been feeding and sheltering strays for 4 years now, where I'm at, and never did the guy complained about fleas.
I was told the dog going outside unprotected was going to catch fleas one day or another.

So now I have to explain this to this stubborn geezer...
wish me luck

sandyrivers