Preparing for Flea and Tick Season: Prevention and Treatment for Pets and Homes

As flea and tick season approaches, dog owners need to start being proactive in protecting their pets from these troublesome parasites. Fleas and ticks are more than just an itchy nuisance - they can cause allergic reactions, skin infections and even transmit dangerous diseases. If left untreated, infestations can even spread to homes, causing persistent and challenging problems. Thankfully, you can rely on Favour for an extensive range of effective flea treatments, making prevention simple and stress-free, helping to keep your dog protected.

Read on as we explain why flea and tick prevention for dogs is essential, how to spot infestations early and the best methods for treating both pets and homes. With the right approach, you can keep your dog and household flea-free throughout the season.

Why Flea and Tick Prevention Matters

Higher Risks with Warmer Weather

Flea and tick infestations in pets tend to increase during the Spring and Summer months, as rising temperatures cause flea and tick populations to thrive. Dogs that spend a lot of time outdoors, either out on walks or even in the garden at home, are vulnerable to picking up fleas and ticks from grass, soil and other animals.

Fleas can Infest Homes

With a single flea able to lay up to 50 eggs per day, an infestation in the home can quickly spiral out of control. Flea eggs fall off pets onto carpets, furniture and pet bedding, hatching into larvae that burrow into soft furnishings. Without treatment, fleas can continue reproducing, making them incredibly difficult to remove from the home once there. 

Ticks Carry Dangerous Diseases 

Ticks can transmit Lyme disease and other infections, making them a serious health threat. These diseases can affect humans as well as pets, causing symptoms such as fever, joint swelling and lethargy. Early detection and removal of ticks is crucial in preventing disease transmission. This can easily be done by making regular checks and administering preventative treatments.

Effective Flea and Tick Prevention for Dogs

When it comes to fleas and ticks, prevention is always better than cure. You can ensure that your pet remains protected during peak tick season in the UK with a consistent flea and tick prevention routine for dogs.

Regular Preventative Treatments

The most effective way to safeguard dogs against fleas and ticks is to use vet-approved treatments such as:

• Spot-on solutions: Applied to the skin, these treatments kill fleas and ticks on contact.

• Flea and tick collars: Slow-releasing chemicals provide continuous protection.

• Oral medications: Tablets and chews work from the inside out to kill fleas and ticks.

Explore our recommended flea and tick prevention products here.

Frequent Checks and Grooming

Regularly inspecting your dog’s fur is crucial for catching fleas and ticks before they become a bigger issue. Focus on warmer areas, such as the armpits, ears and belly, where ticks are likely to latch on. Daily brushing can help remove fleas before they settle in, while bathing with flea-repelling shampoos helps wash away parasites and soothes irritated skin. Additionally, using a flea comb is an effective way to detect and remove fleas early on, preventing further infestations.

Keeping Outdoor Spaces Safe

Since dogs often pick up fleas and ticks outdoors, managing your garden is essential. Mow the grass regularly and trim back overgrown areas where ticks tend to thrive. It’s also important to discourage wildlife, such as hedgehogs or foxes, which can carry fleas. Additionally, using pet-safe insect repellents in outdoor areas can also help to protect your dog from these pesky parasites.

How to Treat Fleas in the Home

If fleas have made their way into your home, immediate action will be needed to break the flea lifecycle and prevent reinfestation. This involves a combination of thorough cleaning, targeted treatments, and ongoing attention to eliminate existing fleas and their eggs, larvae, and pupae. A comprehensive approach is crucial, as fleas can survive in different environments and reproduce rapidly.

Cleaning and vacuuming

If you’re wondering how you can get rid of fleas in your home, start by washing pet bedding, blankets and soft furnishings at 60°C to kill flea eggs and larvae. Vacuum carpets, sofas and skirting boards daily, as flea larvae often hide in dark crevices. Be sure to empty the vacuum bags immediately after use to prevent fleas from re-entering your home.

Household Flea Sprays

Using a flea spray formulated for home use can kill fleas hiding in carpets and upholstery. Always choose pet-safe options and follow instructions carefully. Discover the best flea treatment for dogs in the UK supplied by Favour.

Understanding the Flea Lifecycle

Fleas go through four stages of life (egg, larva, pupae and adult), meaning a single treatment isn’t enough. Preventative measures must be ongoing to break the cycle completely. Even after visible fleas are gone, you should always continue treatment to target unhatched eggs and developing larvae.

When to Take Action: Signs of Infestation

Recognising flea and tick infestation signs in dogs early is key to preventing discomfort and illness.

Flea Infestation in Dogs Signs:

• Excessive scratching, biting, or licking

• Red or irritated skin due to flea saliva

• Small black specks (flea dirt) in fur or bedding

• Hair loss or sores from intense itching

Symptoms of Tick-Borne Diseases:

If your dog has been bitten by a tick, watch for:

• Fever or lethargy

• Swollen joints or stiffness

• Loss of appetite

If you notice these symptoms, contact your vet immediately, as tick-borne illnesses will always require urgent treatment.

Keeping Your Dog Flea-Free Year-Round

Flea and tick prevention should be more than just a seasonal concern - it should be a year-round commitment. By using preventative treatments, maintaining a clean home, and regularly checking your pet, you can protect your dog’s health and comfort. Explore Favour’s recommended pet care products to keep fleas and ticks at bay, and enjoy peace of mind knowing you’ll be protecting your pet from nasty parasites.