Spring parasite prevention and tips.

Dr. Nicole Barnard, BVSc

As the weather warms up and humidity rises, external parasites like fleas and ticks become far more active. Spring is the prime season for these pests to hitch a ride on our pets, leading to severe skin irritation, discomfort, or infectious disease transmission.

Adult fleas live their entire lives on your pet, with females producing up to 50 eggs every single day. These eggs easily fall off your pet's fur onto carpets, furniture, and dog beds. They hatch into tiny larvae that burrow deep into rugs and soil before forming cocoons. Because pupae can lie dormant for weeks before emerging as adults, a flea's life cycle can range anywhere from 12 days to 6 months. Beyond severe itching, fleas leave behind "flea dirt" (black droppings), can trigger allergic skin reactions, and may cause anaemia in young or small pets. Ingesting fleas while grooming can also transmit tapeworms to your dog or cat.

Ticks often lurk in shrubbery, brush, and tall grass, waiting to attach as pets explore the outdoors. They typically cling to a dog's neck, ears, folds between the legs, or between their toes, while cats usually pick them up around their face and neck. Ticks can transmit serious infectious diseases, making prompt and proper removal critical. If you spot a tick, grip it firmly with tweezers as close to the pet's skin as possible and pull gently straight out. Avoid touching tick fluids, and crush the tick safely after removal.

Your veterinarian can recommend safe, effective preventative treatments tailored specifically to your pet's lifestyle. Vacuum rugs, carpeted areas, and sleeping quarters regularly to remove flea eggs and larvae. Trim back dense backyard brush to reduce tick habitats, and always check your pet's coat thoroughly after hikes.

Cat Safety Warning: Never use dog parasite remedies on a cat. Cats are extremely sensitive to insecticides, and applying unapproved products can be life-threatening.