Beat the itch
As flea and tick season approaches, it’s time to get proactive about keeping them at bay. Here's how you can help protect your home and furry friends.
We often don't think about fleas and ticks until the weather warms up or our pets bring them home. Interestingly, flea, tick and worm prevention is one of the top health claims for pets, ranking sixth overall according to PetSure data, with high numbers in northern Tasmania.
Proactive pet care
Don't wait for your pet to start scratching before you check for fleas. Make it a habit to comb through your pet's coat regularly with a flea comb. If you do spot any fleas, you can tackle the problem early. If not, consider it a bonus pamper day for your pet. Take a look at these tips on perfecting your DIY dog-grooming routine from Senior Veterinary Officer at PetSure (Australia), Dr Betty Chan.
Credit: Jaromir Chalabala
Make your home a no-flea zone
Fleas thrive indoors. Here’s what to do to make your home a place they'll avoid:
Vacuum often: pay attention to carpets, furniture and pet beds. Don’t forget to dispose of the vacuum bag or empty the container outside so fleas don’t sneak back in.
Wash pet bedding: use hot water to kill off any flea eggs or larvae lurking in your pet's bedding.
Call in the pros: if you're dealing with a severe infestation, choose a pet-friendly option when hiring an exterminator.
Tackle ticks in your yard
Ticks prefer grassy or bushy areas. Keep your yard tick-free by:
Mowing regularly: maintain a well-trimmed lawn to reduce tick habitats.
Sealing off entry points: block areas where outdoor animals might nest.
Using pet-friendly sprays: if you're considering a tick spray for your yard, check with your landscaper to ensure it's safe for pets.
Pet tips: what to avoid
When it comes to flea and tick treatments, be sure to avoid these:
Expired products: they lose effectiveness, which could put your pet at risk.
Species-specific treatments: never use dog flea products on cats or vice versa, as it can be dangerous.
Questionable home remedies: natural doesn't always mean safe. Here's what to avoid:
Dish detergent - while it may kill adult fleas, it can irritate your pet's skin and won't deal with larvae.
Garlic - it's a great addition to food, but harmful to pets and won't keep fleas away.
Cider vinegar - this might leave a sticky mess without actually deterring ticks.
Baking soda - good for deodorising, but there's no proof it kills fleas.
Salt - too much salt can be toxic, especially if your pet ingests it.
For the best protection it's always a good idea to check in with your vet. They'll be able to recommend treatments that are safe, effective and best suited to your pet's needs.
Need expert advice? Reach out to our friendly vets through LiveVet, available to members who have a pet insurance policy from RACT, together with petinsurance.com.au.#
Petinsurance.com.au policies entered into for the first time on or after 7 November 2023 and subsequent renewals of those policies are issued by PetSure (Australia) Pty Ltd ABN 95 075 949 923, AFSL 420183 (PetSure) and promoted and distributed by PetSure’s Authorised Representatives (AR) Pet Insurance Pty Ltd ABN 38 607 160 930, AR 1234944 (PIPL) and The Royal Automobile Club of Tasmania Limited 62 009 475 861, AR 228578. Petinsurance.com.au policies entered into for the first time prior to 7 November 2023 and subsequent renewals of those policies are issued by The Hollard Insurance Company Pty Ltd ABN 78 090 584 473, AFSL 241436, arranged and administered by PetSure (Australia) Pty Ltd ABN 95 075 949 923, AFSL 420183 (PetSure) and promoted and distributed by PIPL. Any advice provided is general only and does not take into account your individual objectives, financial situation or needs. Please consider the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) to ensure this product meets your needs before purchasing, or choosing to continue with the product. PDS and Target Market Determination available at petinsurance.com.au.
This is general veterinary information only, please consult with your vet before acting on it.
#Live Vet Support is a service provided by PetSure that gives you 24/7 access to general veterinary telehealth advice for your insured pet(s) via online video or chat, via the Customer Portals owned and operated by PetSure. Access to Live Vet Support consultations subject to the Customer Portal terms of use.