Cat and dog owners warned heating could fuel autumn flea infestations in warm homes
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Cat and dog owners are being urged to check their pets for fleas as mild autumn weather and warmer homes create ideal conditions for the pests to thrive.
Cat and dog owners are being put on alert as autumn arrives, with mild weather and the return of central heating creating a cosy environment for pesky fleas.
September may be drawing to a close, but that doesn’t necessarily mean flea season is over.
Milder temperatures can allow fleas to survive outdoors, where they can hitch a ride on pets during walks or time spent outside. Once inside, the problem can quickly escalate as warm homes provide ideal conditions for the flea life cycle.
And there’s a nasty surprise lurking beyond the adult fleas owners may spot on their pets.
Flea eggs can fall from an animal into carpets, sofas, bedding and other soft furnishings. They can then develop through larval and pupal stages before emerging as adult fleas ready to find another host.
That means simply treating a cat or dog may not be enough if fleas have already taken hold in the home. Switching the heating back on can help speed up the process.
Owners should thoroughly vacuum carpets, floors and soft furnishings, paying particular attention to areas where pets regularly sleep or rest.
Pet bedding should also be washed according to its care instructions, with a hot wash used where the material allows. A suitable household flea spray can provide another line of defence against fleas and their eggs and larvae.
However, owners should always follow product instructions carefully. Treatments designed for dogs aren't necessarily safe for cats, while doses can vary according to the animal.
Constant scratching is an obvious red flag, but fleas aren't always easy to see. Increased licking or biting, restlessness and irritated skin can also indicate a problem.
Tiny dark flecks in the coat may be flea dirt, while a fine-toothed flea comb can help owners inspect their pet.
Hair loss, severe irritation or signs of illness should be checked by a vet.
According to Itch, its flea treatment is tailored to a pet's size and breed and provides 30 days of protection. The company says its treatment is vet approved, available without a prescription and also protects against ticks.
New subscription customers can currently get their first month's flea treatment free, although £3.49 postage and packaging applies to the first order for each pet.
The promotion covers up to three pets, with subscriptions able to be moved, paused or cancelled.
With fleas potentially continuing their life cycle indoors, regular preventative treatment and keeping pets' favourite sleeping spots clean could help keep the pests at bay this autumn.
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