Keep Summer Walks Parasite-Free

Summer is a wonderful time to enjoy life with your dog. Longer walks, garden play, woodland trails, holidays and pub lunches in the sunshine – the stuff of dreams. But warmer weather also brings unwelcome guests: fleas, ticks and, for dogs travelling abroad, parasites such as heartworm.

The good news? With the right prevention and a few simple habits, you can help keep your dog comfortable, healthy and ready for every summer adventure.

Fleas: small pests, big problems

Fleas can be a nuisance at any time of year, but they thrive in warm, humid conditions, which makes summer a particularly busy season for them.

A single flea can lay large numbers of eggs, and those eggs can quickly spread into carpets, sofas, bedding and the rest of the home. For dogs, flea bites can cause intense itching, sore skin and, in some cases, allergic reactions or skin infections.

Even dogs who do not spend much time with other pets can still pick up fleas from parks, gardens, wildlife or shared outdoor spaces.

Prevention is far easier than dealing with a full-blown flea infestation. Keep up the regular, vet-recommended parasite protection to make sure your dog and your home protected.

Ticks: watch out after grassy walks

Ticks are often found in long grass, woodland, heathland and areas where wildlife passes through. They attach to dogs as they brush past, then feed by biting into the skin.

Tick bites can cause local irritation, and some ticks can carry diseases such as Lyme disease. This is why it is worth checking your dog after walks, especially if you have been through long grass, parks or wooded areas. PDSA also recommends removing any ticks you find, even if your dog is on a tick treatment, to reduce the chance of disease transmission.

Pay close attention to:

• Around the ears

• Under the collar

• Neck and chest

• Armpits

• Groin area

• Between the toes and paw pads

Signs to look out for after a tick bite include a small lump, redness, irritation, tiredness, stiffness or lameness.

Travelling abroad? Parasite protection needs extra planning

Heartworm is not considered a routine UK risk, but it is present in parts of Europe and is spread by mosquitoes. For dogs travelling abroad, especially to warmer countries, parasite protection needs to be planned before you go.

Depending on where you are travelling, your dog may need protection against heartworm, ticks, sandflies, tapeworm and other region-specific risks. ESCCAP provides country-specific parasite advice for dogs travelling in Europe, so it is worth asking your vet for tailored guidance before your trip.

Your dog may also need an Animal Health Certificate, rabies vaccination checks and tapeworm treatment before returning to Great Britain. The timing matters, so please do not leave travel planning until the last minute.

Need help?

We can recommend the most suitable flea and tick protection for your dog. The best option depends on your dog’s lifestyle, health, age, weight and travel plans.

If you are heading overseas, we can talk you through the parasite risks for your destination, check your dog’s vaccinations and help with the documents needed for travel, including Animal Health Certificates.

Call on 01689 477747 or book an appointment online to get your dog summer-ready.

Wellness Club members: parasite prevention is included in your plan, so please get in touch and we will make sure you have everything you need.

Quick tips

• Start flea and tick protection before the weather gets hot.

• Check your dog for ticks after walks in parks, woods and long grass.

• Wash bedding regularly to help reduce flea eggs and larvae in the home.

• Ask us for travel advice before taking your dog abroad.