As the temperature rises and the days grow longer, summer brings more time for outdoor fun with our pets. But unfortunately, it also brings the perfect conditions for fleas to thrive. These tiny parasites are not just an itchy nuisance, they can cause real discomfort for pets and even lead to more serious health problems if left unchecked. In this blog, we’ll explore why fleas love summer, how to prevent an infestation, and tips for keeping your pets happy and flea-free all season long.
Why Are Fleas Worse in Summer?
Fleas are more active in warm, humid weather, which makes summer the ideal season for them to multiply. Here’s why:
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Optimal Conditions: Fleas thrive when temperatures are between 20°C-30°C with humidity levels above 50% - typical summer conditions across Australia
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Rapid Life Cycle: Warm weather speeds up the flea life cycle, allowing fleas to go from egg to adult in as little as 2-3 weeks. This means a small flea problem can quickly turn into an infestation
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Increased Outdoor Activity: Pets spend more time outdoors during summer, making them more likely to pick up fleas from parks, gardens, and other animals
Why Fleas Are a Serious Problem
Fleas are more than just pesky parasites, they can impact your pet’s health and your home. Here’s what makes fleas such a concern:
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Itching and Irritation: Flea bites are itchy, and for pets with sensitive skin or flea allergies, they can cause severe discomfort
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Flea Allergic Dermatitis (FAD): Pets allergic to flea saliva can develop inflamed, itchy skin, hair loss, and infections
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Tapeworms: Fleas can carry tapeworm larvae, which pets may ingest when grooming. This can lead to intestinal issues
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Anemia in Severe Cases: Heavy flea infestations can lead to blood loss, especially in puppies, kittens, or smaller animals
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Infestations in the Home: Fleas don’t just live on your pets—they lay eggs in bedding, carpets, and furniture, creating a household problem that can be tough to eliminate
Check out our top tips on how to prevent fleas this summer!
Use Year-Round Flea Prevention Products
The best way to prevent fleas and other parasites is through consistent, proactive flea prevention treatments. Regular use of topical treatments, oral medications, or flea collars is essential in protecting your pet from infestations. These monthly treatments work quickly to kill fleas and prevent further infestations, keeping your pet comfortable and healthy.
At Woonona Petfoods, we offer a range of trusted, vet-recommended flea prevention options that will ensure your pet stays protected throughout the year. Here are some of the top treatments we carry:
Nexgard is a highly palatable, beef-flavored chew that protects your dog from fleas, ticks, and mites for a full month. Nexgard provides powerful protection, and because it’s a chewable tablet, you can be confident your dog is covered even if they go swimming or get bathed. Just one chew a month will keep your dog protected from harmful parasites all year long.
Bravecto provides long-lasting protection with just one dose. This chewable treatment delivers up to three months of protection against fleas and paralysis ticks, making it a convenient and effective solution for busy pet owners. Ideal for those looking for a simple, easy-to-use option, Bravecto is safe for breeding, pregnant, and lactating dogs, ensuring your pet stays protected during every stage of life.
Simparica is a monthly chew that provides comprehensive protection for your dog, preventing fleas, ticks, mange, and mites. This treatment works fast, killing fleas within four to eight hours and breaking the flea life cycle by eliminating adult fleas before they can lay eggs. With Simparica, you’re not just treating your dog for fleas, you’re stopping future infestations before they begin, making it an excellent choice for long-term flea control.
These reliable, vet-approved flea preventions ensure your dog stays protected from parasites year-round. Choose the treatment that works best for your pet’s needs and lifestyle, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing they are safe and comfortable.
Keep your home clean
Flea eggs and larvae can settle in carpets, furniture, and pet bedding, so it’s essential to clean regularly. You should wash all pet bedding and toys in hot water weekly, vacuum floors, rugs, and furniture frequently and use flea sprays for your home if an infestation occurs to target all flea life stages.
Regular Pet Grooming
Grooming your pets during summer not only keeps them cool but also helps you spot fleas early. Use a flea comb to check for adult fleas or “flea dirt” (tiny black specks), and bathe pets with flea shampoos if needed. Always follow up with a preventative treatment for ongoing protection.
Treat Your Yard
Fleas thrive in shaded, grassy, and damp outdoor areas where pets like to play. Make sure to keep grass cut short and remove leaf piles or debris. In addition, you may use pet-safe yard sprays to deter fleas from settling in your outdoor spaces.
Check Pets Regularly
Summer adventures increase your pet’s exposure to fleas, so check them thoroughly after walks, playdates, or park visits. Focus on areas where fleas hide: around the neck, base of the tail, groin, and behind the ears.
What to Do If Your Pet Has Fleas
If you notice fleas on your pet, it’s important to act quickly to prevent a full-blown infestation:
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Treat Your Pet Immediately: Use a fast-acting flea treatment to kill adult fleas on your pet
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Treat Your Home: Wash bedding, vacuum carpets, and use flea sprays to eliminate eggs and larvae
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Continue Prevention: Stay consistent with monthly flea treatments to avoid future problems
Enjoy a Flea-Free Summer!
Summer should be a time for fun, not frustration. By staying proactive with flea prevention and keeping your home and pets clean, you can ensure a comfortable, itch-free summer for the whole family, furry friends included. At Woonona Petfoods, we’re here to help you keep your pets flea-free and happy this summer. We offer a wide range of Flea Prevention Products and Grooming Essentials to keep fleas under control. Not sure what’s best for your pet? Our friendly team can help you choose the right products.
Pop into Woonona Petfoods today to stock up on flea treatments, grooming products, and summer essentials. Because a happy pet makes for a happy home!
