Why Flea and Tick Prevention Is Crucial in the Summer Months

by Grace Briggs

Summer is a favourite time of year for pets and their humans — more time outside, longer walks, and backyard fun. But as temperatures rise, so does the activity of two dangerous pests: fleas and ticks. These tiny parasites aren’t just annoying — they can cause serious health issues for your pet and even your family.

In this guide, we’ll explain:

  • Why summer is the peak season for fleas and ticks

  • The health risks associated with infestations

  • What pet parents can do to prevent them

  • What to do if your pet already has fleas or ticks

Why Are Fleas and Ticks a Bigger Problem in Summer?

Fleas and ticks thrive in warm, humid environments, making summer their ideal breeding ground. Here's why:

Ideal Breeding Conditions

  • Fleas can lay up to 2,000 eggs in their lifetime. Eggs fall off your pet and into carpets, furniture, and bedding, where they hatch and grow into biting adults within weeks.

  • Ticks, which don’t jump or fly, wait on tall grasses or shrubs for a host (your pet or you) to brush past. Once attached, they can stay latched for days — feeding and potentially transmitting disease.

More Outdoor Activity = More Exposure

Increased outdoor time in summer means more opportunities for exposure:

  • Parks and trails have more wildlife (squirrels, raccoons, deer) that carry fleas and ticks.

  • Gardens become hotspots — even well-maintained lawns can harbour pests.

  • Dog parks and kennels are common points of transmission between pets.

Lifecycle Acceleration

In summer, the entire flea life cycle — egg to biting adult — can complete in as little as 2-3 weeks, compared to months in cooler seasons. That means a small issue can become a serious infestation rapidly.

Health Risks Fleas and Ticks Pose to Pets (and Humans)

Fleas and ticks are more than a nuisance — they’re disease carriers and can severely affect your pet’s health:

Risks from Fleas:

  • Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD): A common allergic reaction to flea saliva that causes intense itching, hair loss, and skin infections.

  • Tapeworms: Pets can ingest infected fleas while grooming, leading to internal parasites.

  • Anaemia: Heavy infestations in small pets (especially kittens and puppies) can cause dangerous blood loss.

Risks from Ticks:

  • Lyme Disease: A serious bacterial infection that causes joint pain, lethargy, fever, and kidney damage.

  • Ehrlichiosis, Anaplasmosis, and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever: Tick-borne illnesses that can cause fever, lameness, neurological issues, and more.

  • Tick Paralysis: Caused by neurotoxins in tick saliva, leading to muscle weakness and potentially respiratory failure.

Human Health Risks:

Both fleas and ticks can transfer diseases to people — such as Lyme disease and Bartonella (cat scratch fever). Preventing infestations protects the whole household.

Prevention: Your Best Defence

1. Use Veterinary-Recommended Preventatives

Consistent monthly use of preventatives is the most effective way to stop fleas and ticks before they bite.

  • For Dogs:

    • Frontline Plus: Topical spot-on for fleas & ticks

    • Seresto Collars: 8-month protection, water-resistant

     

Frontline Plus Flea & Tick Treatment For Dogs £26.89 and Seresto Flea and Tick Control Collars £33.95

  • For Cats:

    • Advantage: Kills fleas at all life stages

    • Seresto Cat Collars: Long-term protection for indoor/outdoor cats

     

Advantage Spot On Flea Treatment For Cats £6.49 and Seresto Flea & Tick Control Collars £33.95

Important: Always choose species-specific products. Never use dog treatments on cats (some are toxic to them).

2. Perform Daily Checks

After walks or time outdoors:

  • Check your pet’s ears, under their collar, armpits, groin area, and between toes for ticks.

  • Comb through fur with a flea comb (especially for cats or long-haired dogs).

  • Remove any ticks immediately using fine-tipped tweezers. Avoid twisting; pull straight out.

Ancol Ergo Flea Comb £7.79 and Tick Twist Family Set 3 Pack £5.49

3. Protect the Environment: Home & Yard

Flea eggs and larvae hide in carpets, pet bedding, and garden debris.

What You Can Do:

  • Vacuum daily in high-risk areas (especially near pet beds).

  • Wash pet bedding weekly in hot water.

  • Use flea sprays or foggers for your home and garden treatments designed to be pet-safe.

  • Trim lawns, clear brush, and avoid letting pets roam in tall grass or wooded areas.

Beaphar Household Flea Fogger – Extra Long Lasting 75ml £8.59 and Virbac Indorex Defence Household Flea Spray 500ml £12.49

Already Found Fleas or Ticks? Don’t Panic — Act Quickly

If you see fleas or ticks on your pet, follow these steps:

  1. Treat Your Pet Immediately: Use a fast-acting flea treatment (e.g., Capstar for fleas, topical tick drops).

  2. Clean Your Home Thoroughly: Vacuum daily, wash bedding, and consider a home spray or fogger.

  3. Repeat Treatments: Because flea life cycles last weeks, ongoing treatment is essential. Follow up with monthly preventatives.

Capstar Flea Tablets For Cats & Dogs £23.99 and Bob Martin Clear Spot-On Flea & Tick Treatment £7.99

Stock Up Before It’s Too Late

Flea and tick products tend to sell out quickly in summer. Ensure you have:

  • Enough monthly doses for the season

  • A backup in case of travel or loss

  • A full-household plan (all pets, not just those showing signs)

Final Thoughts

Fleas and ticks are relentless in the summer, but they’re also entirely preventable. With consistent care, the right products, and a little diligence, you can give your pet a season full of joy — not itching and scratching.

Keep your pets safe. Keep your home pest-free. Prevent now.

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