Fleas can be a major issue for pet owners and their pets. These blood sucking parasites are not only a nuisance but cause considerable discomfort to your pets. Fleas also cause other health issues such as anaemia, flea allergic dermatitis; a common skin condition seen by veterinarians and skin infections. They are also involved in the transmission of tapeworm.

Pets can be exposed to fleas just about anywhere; in your backyard, from the neighbourhood cat, visiting family member’s dog, on walks or at the beach. Once on your pet, the female flea lays up to 50 eggs per day so it doesn’t take long to go from a few fleas to a serious infestation. Once laid these eggs are shed from your pet into the home environment. After 1 to 6 days the eggs begin to hatch into flea larvae, before developing into flea pupae after 5 to 11 days. Adult fleas begin to emerge from the pupae stage after 14 days but the flea pupae can remain dormant for 350 days awaiting a host or the right environment. The high humidity and temperatures in the tropics create the perfect environment for rapid hatching resulting in severe flea infestations.

• Treat all pets within the household with an effective flea control product at regular intervals throughout the year even if they do not show signs of fleas, this will help to prevent future infestations. Comb or brush your pet each day to remove eggs.


• As only 5% of the flea problem is on your pet it is important to clean your environment. Vacuum or steam clean areas where your pet sleeps or sits. Wash all bedding, blankets, and pillows in hot water. Mow the grass, trim shrubs and weed gardens in all outdoor areas where your pet likes to hang out. Flea bombs are also useful.

From tablets to spot on treatments, there are many flea prevention products available and it’s important to select the right one for your pet.

We stock a full range of flea prevention products at our clinics. Come in and we’ll assist you in selecting the best product for your pet.