Flea and Tick Prevention: Why It Matters More in Summer
Flea and tick prevention is especially important during summer, when warmer weather encourages parasites to become more active. Whether you’re enjoying countryside walks, days at the beach or exploring local parks with your dog, taking preventative steps can help keep them healthy.
Flea and tick prevention is an important part of keeping your dog healthy throughout the warmer months. A good flea and tick prevention routine helps protect your dog from parasites before they become a problem.
By understanding the risks and taking a few simple preventative steps, you can help your dog enjoy a happy, healthy summer.
Why Are Fleas and Ticks More Common in Summer?
Fleas and ticks thrive in warm, humid conditions, making late spring and summer their busiest seasons.
Long grass, woodland, parks and gardens all provide ideal environments for these parasites to live and wait for passing animals.
Although fleas and ticks can be found throughout the year, warmer weather encourages them to breed more quickly, increasing the chances of your dog picking them up during a walk.
Where Are Dogs Most Likely to Pick Up Fleas and Ticks?
Your dog may come into contact with fleas or ticks in:
- Long grass
- Woodland walks
- Parks
- Gardens
- Fields
- Around wildlife such as deer or hedgedogs
- Contact with other animals
Even dogs that spend most of their time at home can occasionally pick up fleas, so regular prevention is worthwhile.
Why Are Fleas and Ticks a Problem?
While they’re very small, fleas and ticks can cause a surprising number of health problems.
Fleas feed on your dog’s blood and can quickly multiply inside your home. They often cause intense itching and irritation and, in some cases, allergic reactions.
Ticks also feed on blood and can remain attached for several days if they aren’t removed. Although uncommon, they can carry diseases that may affect both pets and people.
Preventing parasites is always easier than treating an infestation.
Signs Your Dog May Have Fleas or Ticks
It’s a good idea to check your dog regularly throughout the summer.
Common signs include:
- Excessive scratching
- Biting or chewing at the skin
- Hair loss
- Red or irritated skin
- Small black specks (flea dirt)
- Visible fleas moving through the coat
- A tick attached to the skin
- Restlessness or discomfort
If you notice any unusual symptoms, speak to your veterinary practice for advice.
How to Improve Flea and Tick Prevention
Fortunately, flea and tick prevention is straightforward when it becomes part of your regular routine. Consistent flea and tick prevention is far easier than treating an infestation later.
Use Veterinary-Recommended Preventative Treatments
There are a range of preventative treatments available, including spot-on treatments, tablets and collars.
Your vet can recommend the most suitable option based on your dog’s age, lifestyle and health.
Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
Check Your Dog After Walks
After walks, especially in long grass or woodland, check your dog’s:
- Head
- Neck
- Ears
- Chest
- Armpits
- Belly
- Groin
- Legs
- Between the toes
- Tail
Ticks often attach in warm, hidden areas.
Groom Your Dog Regularly
Brushing helps remove loose hair while giving you the opportunity to spot parasites before they become a bigger problem.
Dogs with longer coats may benefit from more frequent grooming during the summer months.
Keep Your Home Clean
Vacuuming regularly, washing bedding and keeping sleeping areas clean can help reduce the chance of fleas establishing themselves inside your home.
How to Remove a Tick Safely
If you discover a tick attached to your dog, it’s important to remove it carefully.
Use a specialist tick removal tool, gripping the tick as close to the skin as possible before gently twisting it away.
Avoid squeezing the tick’s body, as this can increase the risk of infection.
If you’re unsure, or if part of the tick remains behind, contact your vet for advice.
Can Fleas and Ticks Affect Humans?
Although fleas and ticks prefer animals, they can also bite people.
Ticks can attach to humans after countryside walks, while flea infestations inside the home may lead to bites on ankles and legs.
Regular parasite prevention helps protect the whole household.
Enjoy Summer Walks with Confidence
Fleas and ticks shouldn’t stop you enjoying the great outdoors with your dog.
Regular checks, preventative treatments and good grooming habits are all part of effective flea and tick prevention and can dramatically reduce the risk of parasites.
A few minutes of prevention can save weeks of treatment later.
We Love Pets Is Here to Help
Our experienced dog walkers always remain alert to seasonal hazards and understand the importance of flea and tick prevention during every walk.
We take great care to help keep the dogs we look after happy, healthy and safe all year round.
Whether you’re looking for regular dog walking or reliable pet care while you’re away, we’re here to help.
Find your local We Love Pets branch here.
