We all love summertime but anyone with animals knows it’s a time to be on the constant look out for pesky parasites. Fleas are no fun for pet owners! All it takes is one small flea and the next thing you know, you have a full on infestation on your hands. Never fear, Bob Martin is here to explain the three ways pets catch fleas and what you need to do to avoid them.
Other pets
Cats and dogs are social animals by their very nature. They enjoy rolling around with other neighbourhood pets and definitely know how to get up to a bit of mischief when they’re together. Unfortunately, this gives fleas the perfect opportunity to spread from one animal to another. It may make you shudder, but fleas can actually jump surprisingly far, so your pet doesn’t necessarily need to be touching the other animal to catch fleas. If you have more than one pet at home, it can be very difficult to try and stop an infestation once one pet is infected.
The best way to prevent fleas is by regularly checking your pets when they come in from walks. Bathe them every couple of weeks and always keep an eye out for any excessive scratching. Of course, you need to make sure you maintain a regular routine of prevention and treatment and Bob Martin products can help you do that! Shop our range of flea tablets, sprays and Spot-Ons online today.
Outdoors
Fleas prefer warmer, humid conditions so it stands to reason that they’re much more active during the summer months. They can be found in shady areas; nestled into bushes, embedded in tall grass or under the shade of your favourite willow tree. When the sun is hot, your pet will naturally seek these very areas for a bit of relief from the sun.
Our pets love being outdoors and the only way to ensure they get plenty of exercise is by taking them on regular walks. When it’s hot, there’s not a lot we can really do to ensure our pets will never catch fleas, but we can definitely stop them in their tracks if the parasites are contracted. The best thing to do is simply treat your pet regularly, especially during the summer months.
Your home!
95% of flea infestations occur in the home rather than on your pet! The fleas in your home are usually in the egg or larvae stage and can still survive even in cold temperatures, as they incubate until conditions are right. These fleas may delay hatching until temperatures are warm enough, so your pet may catch fleas again even if they’ve previously been treated for an infestation. That’s why it’s so important to treat your home as well as your pet. At Bob Martin, you can shop our home spray or flea bombs to kill any fleas that may be lingering in your carpets.
The best way to avoid fleas in the home is by regularly vacuuming and washing your pets bedding, as well as any soft furnishings. If your pet tends to sleep in your bed, make sure you’re washing your bedding at least once a week too. Maintaining a consistent cleaning routine will ensure your home stays flea-free and stop infestations from spreading or reoccurring.
How have you kept fleas at bay this summer? Connect with us on social media and tell us about your routines!