The Complete Guide to Flea and Tick Prevention

Fleas and ticks aren't just annoying — they transmit diseases. Year-round prevention is essential.

Why Year-Round Prevention Matters

Fleas can survive indoors year-round. Ticks are active in temperatures above 4°C. Climate change is extending tick seasons globally.

Fleas

The Flea Lifecycle

Understanding this is key to elimination:

Adult fleas (5%) — live on your pet, feed on blood, lay 40-50 eggs daily

Eggs (50%) — fall off your pet onto carpets, bedding, furniture

Larvae (35%) — hide in dark places, feed on organic debris

Pupae (10%) — cocoon stage, can survive up to 6 months waiting for a host

This is why treating ONLY the pet doesn't work. 95% of the infestation is in your home.

Signs of Fleas

• Excessive scratching, biting, licking
• Tiny black specks in fur ("flea dirt" — actually flea faeces)
• Red, irritated skin (especially base of tail, belly, inner thighs)
• Hair loss from scratching
• Visible jumping insects (1-2mm, dark brown)

Flea Allergy Dermatitis

The #1 skin disease in dogs and cats. A single flea bite triggers an allergic reaction in sensitive pets, causing intense itching for 2-3 weeks.

Ticks

Diseases Ticks Transmit

• Lyme disease (Borrelia) — lameness, fever, kidney damage
• Ehrlichiosis — fever, bleeding, anaemia
• Babesiosis — anaemia, jaundice, organ failure
• Tick paralysis (Australia) — ascending paralysis, can be fatal

How to Remove a Tick

Use fine-tipped tweezers or a tick removal tool

Grasp as close to the skin as possible

Pull straight up with steady, even pressure

Don't twist, squeeze, or burn the tick

Clean the area with antiseptic

Save the tick in a sealed container (for identification if illness develops)

Never: Use petroleum jelly, nail polish, or a hot match. These don't work and can cause the tick to regurgitate into your pet.

Prevention Options

Topical Treatments (Spot-On)

How: Applied to skin between shoulder blades monthly

Pros: Easy to apply, affordable, widely available

Cons: Can wash off, greasy residue, some pets have skin reactions

Examples: Frontline, Advantage, Revolution

Oral Treatments

How: Chewable tablet, monthly or every 3 months

Pros: No residue, can't wash off, fast-acting

Cons: Some pets won't take pills, requires prescription

Examples: NexGard (monthly), Bravecto (3-monthly), Simparica

Collars

How: Worn continuously, releases active ingredient over months

Pros: Long-lasting (up to 8 months), low maintenance

Cons: Can catch on things, some pets react to the collar

Examples: Seresto

Natural Options

Effectiveness: Limited scientific evidence for most natural remedies

May help as supplements: Diatomaceous earth, neem oil, apple cider vinegar

Not recommended as sole prevention: Essential oils can be toxic, especially to cats

Home Treatment During Infestation

Treat ALL pets in the household simultaneously

Vacuum everything — carpets, furniture, cracks, car. Immediately dispose of the bag

Wash all bedding (yours and your pet's) in hot water

Environmental spray — flea bombs or professional treatment

Continue prevention for at least 3 months to break the lifecycle

Pet Capsule helps you set prevention reminders, track which products you use, and log any flea or tick incidents.